Former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak last night told PAS members that today's 'unification' of the once political rivals had resulted from the seed planted by him and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

He told a ceramah at a PAS premises in Kedah that the PAS-Umno cooperation started with them having discussions about the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 (RUU355) and other matters pertaining to Islam in Malaysia.

This happened during the time he was still Umno president and prime minister, according to Najib.

"There are two 'hikmah' (blessings in disguise) from our loss (in the 14th general election).

"First, the people can now compare how it is like to be under Pakatan Harapan rule and the time the country was under Barisan Nasional.

"And second, the unity of the ummah through unification (gabungan) of PAS and Umno," he said to thunderous applause from members of the audience.

"Because I had all this while quietly initiated this with Tok Guru Hadi. He came to my house during the night to discuss about RUU 355, as well as other matters related to the interests of Muslims.

"Today, I am thankful to God that what had been started during my time, has become a reality today," Najib added.

The event called Ceramah Perdana Perpaduan Ummah was the first time that Umno leaders shared the same stage with PAS at the latter's premises.

It saw several other PAS and Umno leaders on the same stage, including PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin and Umno supreme council member Mahdzir Khalid, besides local leaders from both parties.

Najib also said PAS and Umno could win the next general election if they maintain the formula.

"We have done the calculation. Tak boleh lari, tak boleh lari (we won't miss).

"That is why they (Harapan) is saying all sorts of things about us (PAS and Umno). Just let them be," he said.