The Pekan MP said the harsh language used by his former number two at Umno also highlighted the latter’s arrogance.

“I think Muhyiddin, of late, has lost it. And in responding to Shahrir, he showed his true colours and this will have an impact on Bersatu and PN,” Najib said, referring to former domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Shahrir Samad.

Muhyiddin had recently called Shahrir stupid for challenging Bersatu, which Muhyiddin is president of, to withdraw support for the Umno-led Johor state government.

He also said Shahrir had “evil intentions” and was irresponsible in issuing the challenge because it could force another snap election in the midst of a pandemic.

Asked about Muhyiddin’s posters being put up in Melaka despite not being a candidate for the Nov 20 polls, Najib said it showed that PN was not popular in the state.

“Bersatu is weak. No one knows their candidates or their machinery.”

As for PAS’ decision to contest under the PN banner, Najib said the Islamist party would find it difficult to win a seat. PAS did not win any of the 23 state seats it contested in Melaka in the last general election.

He said he had expected PAS to join forces with Barisan Nasional in the Melaka polls on Saturday.

“If they had joined us, they would win several seats.”