Sacked Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin agrees with the proposal for a truce among opposition parties, so that they can work together to prepare for the next general election.

Muhyiddin also repeated the call by PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and PKR deputy president Azmin Mohamed Ali, for Harapan and PAS as well as others, to come back to the negotiation table to form an opposition front for the coming polls.

"This pact is extremely important to give the people confidence that other parties besides BN can lead Malaysia better and take care of the people's needs," he said in a statement today.

He also expressed support for former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposed new party and the plan to join forces with the opposition in a grand coalition.

"I agree with Mahathir's suggestion to set up a new political party that will cooperate with all quarters including Pakatan Harapan, PAS and civil society, to continue the struggle to save Malaysia, while taking necessary steps to enact institutional reforms.

"I have discussed this with Mahathir, (ex Umno leaders) Shafie Apdal, Mukhriz Mahathir and other colleagues about the need to set up a political platform to continue this struggle through participating in the elections."

Muhyiddin and Mukhriz were both sacked from Umno last month for working with the opposition while Shafie quit the party to protest his suspension.

Grand coalition

The former deputy premier's remarks come two days after Mahathir confirmed speculation that a new opposition party was in the works.

The party will be part of a grand coalition with PKR, DAP and Amanah, which will focus on the Save Malaysia movement's objectives.

There are however conflicting reports on PAS' reaction to the new pact, with some claiming party president Abdul Hadi Awang rejected it, while others said he would not rush into a new alliance.

Meanwhile Muhyiddin said the perception that BN would continue to remain in power because the opposition was in disarray, need not be true.

"I'm confident Malaysia is ready to ride on a wave of change and the people, regardless of race and religion, will unite to defend the people against corruption, abuse of power, and the extreme manipulation of racial sentiments, in order to create a better future for all."