Pejuang information chief Ulya Aqamah Husamudin said Mahathir had repeatedly denied rumours of working with Bersatu, while the party’s political bureau had never discussed such a partnership.

In a statement, he also said some had churned up conspiracies and “sensationalised” Pejuang’s registration on July 8, which came after Umno’s withdrawal of support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

“Pejuang’s registration was in line with the court’s decision to give the home ministry 14 days to decide on our appeal to be registered.

“There were no discussions behind the scenes or political manoeuvres. This decision was a product of the court’s decision,” he said, adding that the rumours were aimed at tarnishing Pejuang’s reputation.

Ulya said if it was true that Pejuang had intended to work with Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN), there was no need for the party to fight tooth and nail to get registered.

“It would have been better to just return to our old party (Bersatu),” he said, reiterating that Pejuang’s focus was to resolve the health, economic and social crises Malaysians were facing.

Recently, a political analyst said he would not rule out Pejuang forming an alliance with PN after the 15th general election, based on the current political landscape.

Former Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer Ahmad Atory Hussain also expected the four Pejuang MPs to vote in support of Muhyiddin as the prime minister if a confidence motion is tabled when Parliament reconvenes on July 26.