SERI ISKANDAR, Sept 8 — Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad today clarified that Perak Umno's current co-operation with Islamist PAS will end once the 15th general election is announced amid lingering rumours that the state chapters of both parties are in secret talks for the polls.

The Perak Umno chairman explained that their co-operation has a time limit.

"As partners in the government, we will work together. But for the next general election, we are on our own. The decision is conclusive," he told reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for XP Power at the Pharmaceutical Industrial Park here.

Saarani, who is also Perak mentri besar, was asked when the anti-party hopping law will be tabled in the state legislative assembly.

He replied that the sitting can be only held once the law is gazetted at the national level, which was done two days ago but is yet to come into force pending an announcement by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

PAS leaders have been saying publicly that election discussions with Umno at the state and grassroots levels have been continuing despite repeated rebuffs from the latter party's central leadership.

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin revealed yesterday that his party had been having clandestine discussions with Umno.

Last Sunday, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan rubbished PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan's assertion of informal talks being held with their two parties, without divulging their identities.