PAS to remain opposition party

PAS to remain opposition party

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The fundamentalist Moslem party controlling Malaysia's only opposition-run state said yesterday it could not work together politically with the dominant UMNO party since the groups had different goals.

Kelantan state's Chief Minister, Nik Aziz Nik Mat, said UMNO (United Malays National Organization) focused on nationalism while his Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) strove to uphold Islamic principles, the national Bernama news agency reported.

"If UMNO wants to accept Islamic policies, then there will be no problems between us. But as long as it pursues nationalistic policies, it has to carry on with its way and we have our own way too," he told reporters at his residence in northeastern Kelantan state yesterday.

He said ties between the two parties would be confined to collaboration in economic and social fields, as PAS would continue its role as an opposition party, Bernama reported.