“If our help is needed post GE15 we are prepared to play a role,” said Mohamad, better known as Tok Mat, in a statement tonight. “And if a government cannot be formed, don’t blame us. This is the result of a democratic process and we respect the outcome.”

He is among several Umno leaders such as Supreme Council member Isham Jalil and former vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein who have said BN should be part of the opposition to play a check-and-balance role instead of joining a multi-coalition government.

Mohamad’s statement comes amid discussions between the various parties about alliances to form a government following the inconclusive results of the general election on Saturday.

No coalition secured enough seats for a majority in the Dewan Rakyat. Pakatan Harapan won 82 seats, Perikatan Nasional 73, BN 30, GPS 23, GRS 6 and Warisan 3 seats. Two independents were also elected.

The chairmen of PH and PN have both claimed they had enough support for a majority, while PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin had previously ruled out any alliance with PH.

Leaders of PH and BN had met this morning on a possible alliance, a day after BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said no talks had been held by BN with other groupings on a new government.

Political leaders have until 2pm on Tuesday to submit to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong their nominations of an MP to be appointed prime minister.