KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): Additional to protecting  Malay rights, the collaboration between Umno and PAS is also meant to take care of interests of other races, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, Najib said there is nothing to be worried about on the tie-up between the two parties.

“We collaborate to take care of the interests of the Muslim community, while we also take care of the rights of other races, so nobody should be worried about the collaboration between Umno and PAS,” he said.

Najib said it is up to the leaders of the two parties to decide whether or not to form a coalition government in the four states controlled by them.

“With regards to the states, it is up to the leaders there to decide, moving forward,” he said.

Last week, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said a proposal has been submitted to PAS for the establishment of a coalition government in the four states controlled by them.

Umno-led Barisan Nasional formed the state government in Perlis and Pahang after the 14th general election last year, while PAS controls Kelantan and Terengganu.