He said such pronouncements were made each time there were elections.

Mahdzir said there was no solid evidence to back this claim other than just statements from sources and outside analysts who did not know the party’s current situation, especially in Kedah.

“I think each time an election approaches, there will be analysts making all sorts of forecasts.

“I don’t know where they plucked this 40% figure from. So far, no Kedah Umno members have deserted the party.

“That is an analyst’s statement; it’s not accurate and lacks evidence,” he told reporters after closing the Kedah State Unity Convention today.

Earlier, FMT quoted a party insider as saying that Kedah Umno may face a possible defeat in the state polls, expected to be held in July.

Asked on Umno Supreme Council member Ahmad Maslan’s call to party members to vote for DAP candidates in the coming state elections, Mahdzir said this would not be a problem for party members.

“That is the nature of elections. Now that we are together in the unity government, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional are part of a coalition and there is no problem for them to vote for DAP as stated by Ahmad,” he added.