Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) may have been perceived to be trying to dominate its partners during negotiations in Pakatan Harapan, but its chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad explained that this is all - really - just the art of haggling.

Mahathir gave this analogy when asked on claims that Bersatu was monopolising top posts in Harapan.

"There is no monopoly. We discuss things. (It is) like selling things. First, we ask for a high price, then, when you are given (an offer), you decide lah," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Asked on the posts eyed by Bersatu in the coalition, Mahathir declined to reveal them.

"This is an internal matter. We will discuss, then we'll decide," he said.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who was present, also denied that Bersatu was monopolising top posts in Harapan, and pointed out that all parties in the coalition have the same standing.

"One or two people named doesn't mean it's a monopoly. No one party can monopolise as we practise fairness," Muhyiddin told reporters...