This, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, would actually pave the way for a brighter future for Umno.

Zahid said the decision by several of its MPs to continue to support Muhyiddin’s “failed government”, helped the party separate the loyalists from those who were not.

“There is no need to hunt (disloyal members) as they have revealed themselves. So, we are all grateful that the truth has surfaced,” he said in a Facebook post, adding that he was aware that some in Umno were left disappointed with their colleagues’ actions.

He went on to caution party members against recent news reports about him that apparently cited sources within the party.

“We should be wary of information by anonymous individuals. What is the motive and agenda? Is it out to serve the interest of a few or meant to create confusion?”

Zahid’s latest post comes a day after he called on Umno MPs who are still backing Muhyiddin to repent.

A week ago, he was reported to have called on Umno MPs to quit their ministerial posts to prove their loyalty to the party.

Noraini Ahmad and Shamsul Anuar Nasarah have since stepped down as higher education minister, and energy and natural resources minister, respectively.

However, Maran MP and deputy housing and local government minister Ismail Abd Muttalib has broken ranks with the party leadership, saying that it was his responsibility and duty “to race, religion and the country” to continue backing Muhyiddin.

Other Umno MPs who remain in government include deputy prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein, and science, technology and innovation minister Khairy Jamaluddin.