Kedah Umno, Pas signal deeper talks after informal meeting

ALOR SETAR: Kedah Umno sees early signs of more serious discussions with Kedah Pas at a higher level following an informal meeting between party leaders and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor at Seri Mentaloon yesterday.

Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the informal meeting at the menteri besar's official residence was positive.

"There are early signs that more serious discussions could take place at a higher level after this," he said in a statement.

Mahdzir said Kedah Umno had also gained an idea of how the two parties could negotiate if they agreed to work together in the 16th General Election.

"I met Sanusi with 3 others, Kedah Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Ariffin Man, Alor Setar Umno division chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah and Jerlun Umno division chief Datuk Othman Aziz.

"However, we did not discuss any issues regarding seat allocations as it is too early to discuss this. Besides, the meeting was not an official one," he said.

Mahdzir said no date had been set for a formal meeting or discussion with the Kedah Pas leadership.

"I will also inform the Umno central leadership about today's informal meeting with the Kedah Pas leadership.

"We will work out the next steps after this, as any decision will ultimately be made by the top leadership of both parties," he said.

Earlier, speaking to the media after the meeting, Mahdzir said the inaugural meeting took place in a harmonious atmosphere, with both sides exchanging views on state affairs, current politics and the possibility of forging cooperation.

"We exchanged views on the state, state politics and how the two Malay parties in Kedah could work together.

"We started with a casual meeting and touched on current political developments.

"I would describe it as a good and positive meeting, with both sides sharing their views in a harmonious atmosphere," he said.