The former prime minister said the ruling coalition was in fact in a shaky position as, without the support of the non-Muslims MPs, the Muhyiddin Yassin-led government would collapse.

“If the Chinese and Indian leaders decide not to back it (PN), the government will fall. Because of these two or three non-Muslims leaders, the Malay-Muslim government can collapse,” he said.

On the other hand, Mahathir said, Pejuang, the party he founded, had never claimed to want to form a Malay-Muslim government and was prepared to work with other parties.

“But of course we will champion the interest of the Malays, as it is the cornerstone of the country.”

Asked if Pejuang was prepared to work with the likes of DAP and PKR, Mahathir said his party would become an “alternative movement” which would not be tied to any other party.

“We want to see first what is being done by this alliance (of DAP and PKR) and their stand. If it is in line with our objectives, we will consider. But at this moment, we are not keen.”

Mahathir also said Pejuang had a “Plan B” if the Registrar of Societies decided to reject its application as it had done previously to PPBM – the party he also founded after leaving Umno – and Pakatan Harapan, in the run up to the last general election.

“However we can’t reveal it. But trust us, we know what we are doing.”

We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.