PM: I've met with PAS leaders - The Star

By Izatun Shari

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi admitted that he had personally met with "highest-level" PAS leaders three times to discuss Islam, Malay unity and other issues.

The Prime Minister however declined to reveal whom the leaders were, merely saying that they were top-level leaders who could make decisions in the Islamist opposition party.

PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat was not present during these discussions.

Nik Aziz had earlier said he was open to the idea of “small discussions” between PAS and Umno members, but not to party-to-party meetings.

"We have held meetings, which are at the initial stage. There is no need to give other details. You will make all sorts of speculation," Abdullah told reporters after launching National Cooperative Day here on Sunday.

Abdullah, also Umno president, had previously only indicated that he was "ready to hold" muzakarah discussions with PAS leaders to strengthen unity among the Muslims in the country.

[More at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/20/nation/20080720130215&sec=nation]