PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan sent out festive greetings today in conjunction with Christmas.

"I wish a Merry Christmas to all Malaysians who celebrate it, may we all be in peace and harmony in our beloved country.

"A large number of my classmates at the Universiti Malaya law faculty are non-Muslims, we are still friendly to this day as a family, and frequently contact each other and meet for reunions.

"Differences of opinion are a blessing in Islam," the Kota Bharu MP said in a statement today.

Takiyuddin took a notably different line from PAS Youth chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, who yesterday warned Muslims against celebrating Christmas because it is against the teachings of Islam.

Khalil said that while extending holiday greetings to a Christian neighbour are permissible, public announcements, such as social media posts, should be avoided.

However, Sabah PAS Dewan Ulama chief Mustaqim Aling urged Muslims, especially converts, to maintain ties with friends and family of different religions.

Several Muslim leaders have made public Christmas greetings, including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.