Pejuang deputy president Marzuki Yahya told Malaysiakini that Ismail had a short meeting with Mahathir, who is MP for Langkawi, at his home in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, this afternoon.

Marzuki said Mahathir had told Ismail that the political focus should be on dealing with the Covid-19 crisis, the economy, and solving national problems through the formation of a National Recovery Council, and not about who to choose as prime minister.

“Even if we choose a prime minister but the decision does not resolve the people’s problems, there is no use,” Marzuki was quoted as saying.

Muhyiddin is speculated to be handing in his resignation tomorrow following the withdrawal of support of 15 Umno MPs.

Ismail, who is deputy prime minister in Muhyiddin’s government, had led a group of Barisan Nasional MPs in pledging support for Muhyiddin last month.

His candidacy for the premiership is reported to have the backing of Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, home minister in Muhyiddin’s cabinet, who is expected to be Ismail’s deputy in a new government.