Umno vice-president hopeful Mukhriz Mahathir has brushed aside reports that he will pose a threat to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak should he win in the party polls next month.

Mukhriz, who is also Kedah menteri besar, described the claim in a report by international magazine The Economists as a "conspiracy theory".

"I am aware there are efforts to create a negative perception towards my participation in the party polls for the Umno vice presidency.

"I do not care about such theories but I would like to stress that the report is not true whatsoever," he was quoted as saying in a Berita Harian report today.

In a report on Friday, The Economist said anti-Najib forces may coalesce around Mukhriz should the son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad win and may subsequently move to oust the premier.

However, Mukhriz had only kind words for Najib, calling him a "good leader" for the party and country, according to Malay-language daily.

Mukhriz added that he should not be overshadowed by his father who was prime minister for 22 years as he has his own track record to show for.