Zahid, who is also Umno president, said Muhyiddin’s claim that BN’s “time had come to an end” vindicated the party’s decision — made at its annual general meeting — not to work with Bersatu in the next general election.

“It also highlights Bersatu’s hypocrisy when it comes to BN and Umno,” he said in a Facebook post.

Zahid went on to say that he was disappointed that Muhyiddin had hurled such an insult at BN as the Bersatu president had made his name in the political arena with the help and support of the BN grassroots.

“The Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman can say what he wants, but loyal BN supporters know that our struggle has not ended.”

He also said Muhyiddin’s jibe would only inspire the coalition’s members and supporters to work harder to win the Melaka state election on Nov 20.

“They will prove to PN that BN’s time has not come to an end.”

On Thursday, Muhyiddin was reported to have said that BN’s time had come to an end when talking about the country’s changing political landscape.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) had wrested control of Putrajaya from BN in the last general election.

Bersatu was then part of PH before pulling out from the coalition last year, leading to the collapse of the 22-month-old government, then led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Muhyiddin was subsequently named the country’s eighth prime minister but resigned 17 months later after Umno retracted its support for him.