The coalition’s chief secretary, Saifuddin Abdullah, explained that any meetings between its leaders and the former premier would be made in their personal capacity.

The former Umno deputy minister said this to clear the air after confusion was sparked by PKR Vice-President Nurul Izzah following reports of her announcing a joint press conference involving Mahathir and representatives of PH.

“She told us the statement was taken out of context,” he said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, the Lembah Pantai MP clarified that she was merely referring to The Malaysian Insider report that a press conference would be held tomorrow at 3.30pm.

“The Opposition and Tun M share only the zeal to remove Najib, provided that Tun M is sincerely committed to implementing reforms.

“But it doesn’t absolve Tun M of his past abuses of power and wrongdoings, including huge economic miscalculations,” she said in a statement regarding the matter, alluding to Mahathir.

Nurul Izzah had earlier said PKR only wanted a commitment towards reform and sincerity from Mahathir before agreeing to join him in his fight.

Echoing similar sentiments, Saifuddin said the commitment was not limited to ousting Najib, but also to topple Umno as well as free former Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and implement holistic reforms in the country.

On a related matter, Saifuddin insisted that PH, “as far as they were concerned”, still wanted Anwar as the Prime Minister.

The former lawmaker said this in response to Zaid Ibrahim yesterday naming Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali as his choice of candidate to be prime minister.