Former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin today stopped short of saying "yes" to supporting efforts to release jailed former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

With PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at his side, Muhyiddin was asked if he would support Anwar's release, given his current close cooperation with the opposition.

"There are those who ask about Anwar being freed. In the current political environment I don't see that happening.

"However, after the next general elections maybe, with PKR's stance, and since we are together now, whatever decision we will share in.

"I hope you understand what I'm trying to say," he said.

Speaking at his first press conference with Wan Azizah and other PKR leaders in Subang Jaya today, Muhyiddin stressed that he sympathised with Anwar and was concerned for his wellbeing.

"He (Anwar) has been my friend from before. When he was sacked from the government I was the only minister who visited him.

"I always asked, 'Kak Wan, how is he doing?'"

Anwar's freedom has been a touchy subject for the opposition's new, ex-Umno allies.

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad has thus far dodged the question, and even criticised Anwar despite forming an alliance with opposition leaders under the Save Malaysia banner.

Anwar in turn penned letters to PKR warning them to be wary of working with Mahathir.

However, recent news that Mahathir might be forming a new party, which will reportedly be led by Muhyiddin, has been well received by the PKR de facto leader.