There are widespread rumours that political foes Umno and Keadilan are locked in negotiations but their leaders have claimed otherwise.

However, the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) today did not deny the possibility of such talks taking place.

When contacted, its president Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman said political ideologies should not be a stumbling block to fostering unity among Muslims.

"Why not, if the objective is for the Malay/Muslim solidarity," he said when asked to comment on the rumours.

And on whether Abim was involved in the negotiations, he offered a vague reply: "It (the talks) should not be over-publicised. What is important is to make full use of the opportunity to achieve the objective."

For instance, he added, the premier debate attended by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the late PAS president Fadzil Noor last May proved that leaders of two opposing Malay parties can come together for the sake of unity.

ISA release

Asked if the government's decision to release six Internal Security Act detainees recently, was an outcome of these negotiations, Ahmad Azam said: "I would not rule out that possibility".

"What is most important is not to place the party above the interest of Malay unity....without them, no party can exist...," he added.

Describing it as a 'noble effort', the Abim president said there should be no deadline for the talks since it concerned people.

"We want everybody to understand there is a limit to politicking...it should not go beyond the destruction of our very own race," he added.

Despite this, he noted that there were certain quarters who place their individual and party interests above the need for Malay unity.

"Those are the obstacles...but the others are willing to do so (negotiate)," he said.

Keadilan Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor had recently denied that these talks were taking place.