He is said to have more support than Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin because he had brought 10 MPs with him into the party.

A source from Bersatu told FMT that talks between Umno and Bersatu leaders were held yesterday and “all fingers point to Azmin as the deputy prime minister”.

“After listening to all parties, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is said to be agreeable to the decision.

“As of now, Azmin’s name is still the one picked for future deputy prime minister,” the source said.

He added it had been a toss-up between Azmin and Hamzah but the previous home minister did not get as much support as Azmin.

The source said Azmin is the main contender as he brought in 10 MPs along with him from PKR and is considered the “most senior” to take on the role in Bersatu.