SEREMBAN: Umno respects PAS' decision to contest under the Perikatan Nasional banner in the Nov 20 Melaka state elections, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

       "If that is what PAS has decided, we respect it," the Umno deputy president said when contacted on Tuesday (Nov 2).

       PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang had said on Monday (Nov 1) the decision by the party's central working committee was based on the advice of its highest decision-making body, the Syura Council.

       The decision comes after Umno said it wished to work with the Islamist party in the state polls.

       Asked if this would jeopardise Umno's agenda to unite the Malays under Muafakat Nasional with PAS, Mohamad said it would not.

       "The Muafakat Nasional agenda to unite the ummah will continue even if Umno is forced to do it alone," he said.

       PAS and Umno signed the Muafakat charter on Sept 14 last year.

       The charter, among others, agreed to cooperate in the development of the Islamic and Malay narrative without denying the diversity of religion, race and culture as central to the political stability, racial harmony and peace of the country.

       Prior to this, Mohamad had also asked PAS to decide quickly if it will work with Umno in the next general election.

       Mohamad, who is also Umno election director, said PAS should not wait till Parliament is dissolved.

       He added that PAS cannot have the best of both worlds as Umno had decided months ago that it would not work with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in the next general election.