PN secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said voters would not support those who would “tarnish” the country’s image, Malaysiakini reported.

“A lot of Malays (ask) if they vote for BN, will this be equivalent to giving Zahid the power to decide the country’s future?” he was quoted as saying.

He said he had been told by many, especially the Malays, that “we do not want that”.

“The majority of the people do not want this to happen.”

He said Malay voters were now aware that they needed to back someone who “has morals and is able to lead”.

However, he lamented that Umno members would continue to follow the president’s instructions.

Earlier this month, DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong said he had observed a growing sentiment against Zahid.

He said what was happening today was similar to what had happened with former prime minister Najib Razak.

“So, now, there is an ‘anti-Zahid’ wave because everyone is afraid that Zahid will become prime minister,” he was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob was previously named BN’s prime ministerial candidate should the coalition win GE15.

Zahid had stated on Oct 16 that the decision to nominate the Umno vice-president for the post was final.