Prime Minister Najib Razak today said that PAS, which now practiced mature and constructive politics, no longer made baseless attacks on issues.

He said PAS adopted the principle of “tabayyun” whereby the party did its checking and verification before making its conclusion on any issues.

"In the 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) issue, PAS called (1MDB_president and chief executive officer) Arul Kanda (Kandasamy) and after getting the explanation from Arul Kanda, did the party made its stand.

"PAS’ stand is that we should give 1MDB a chance to implement its rationalisation plan,” he told reporters after opening the ‘Prime Minister With The People’ programme and launch of the Machang parliamentary constituency People’s Housing Project at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Machang today.

At the event, Najib, who is also Umno president, opened the Machang Umno delegates conference.

Also present were Kelantan Umno liaison chairman Mustapa Mohamed, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Noh Omar and Machang member of parliament Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub.

The prime minister, who is on a one-day visit to Kelantan, said because of PAS’ maturity in politics, the party had become a constructive opposition party.

"We oppose (one another), but in certain matters that bring good and benefit for the people, we can cooperate,” he said.

To a question whether the cooperation would lead to a political cooperation, Najib said “That we don’t know, we see the situation”.

Last Aug 7, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man was reported as saying that the party was satisfied with the explanation given by Arul Kanda on 1MDB’s debts and the company’s debt settlement plan.

Hope for 'change'

At the same event, Najib said he is also hoping that there would be a change in Kelantan in the 14th general election compared to the previous election as support for Umno and BN in the state improved.

"The federal government is doing the best for all the people of Kelantan.

"As prime minister I have never used the policy of punishing the people of Kelantan. If measured in terms of allocation I have given more than the previous leader.

"Under the Eighth Malaysia Plan, the amount allocated to Kelantan was only RM3.7 billion, while in the 11th Malaysia Plan the allocation amounted to RM12.87 billion, almost four times," he said.

Among the developments implemented by the federal government in Kelantan are the Kota Bharu - Kuala Krai Expressway, housing projects, hospital, new bridges as well as building and repairing mosques.

More projects

Najib said the spirit of sincere struggle for the people, a strong and cohesive leadership loyal to the leader are the key principles that determine the success of Umno and BN.

He said on the contrary, a struggle that is based on revenge, disappointment and material values would surely have failed.

"If the struggle is based on the spirit of righteousness, to do what is best, then God willing, will be thanks to our struggle," he told reporters.

At the event, Najib also launched the Machang Umno division delegates conference.

- Bernama