Azmin Ali has blamed Umno for claims that PKR is split into two factions, one backing its founder Anwar Ibrahim and the other, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“This is completely untrue,” he stressed when met at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.

“Do not entertain these tales,” added the PKR deputy president, who became a target of opposition claims that Mahathir was using him to keep Anwar in check.

The economic affairs minister pointed out that Anwar himself has repeatedly stated his undivided support for Mahathir's leadership.

Furthermore, he said the party's secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had also issued a statement to this effect.

“You can check the records, (the statement) called on all PKR members to support Mahathir to lead the new Pakatan Harapan government.

“So don't entertain (talks of a rift). This is Umno's agenda to divide Harapan,” he added.

On another matter, Azmin promised to reveal his plans for the upcoming PKR polls after the Sungai Kandis by-election on Aug 4.

Asked if he had made a decision, he replied: “No. Sungai Kandis is not over. I had said after Sungai Kandis.”

Azmin's delayed announcement had fuelled speculation that he might contest against Anwar for the president post, intensifying talks of a pro-Mahathir faction in PKR.

His appointment as economic affairs minister despite his name not being on the list submitted by PKR for ministerial posts had led to speculations that Mahathir was empowering Azmin as a trump card against Anwar.

On Monday, Azmin denied this claim and reiterated his loyalty to Anwar.

“I have been with Anwar for the past 30 years. No rational person will question my loyalty to him," he said.

Azmin had served as Anwar's political aide when the latter was deputy premier. He remained loyal to Anwar after Mahathir sacked Anwar from the government in 1998.

Should Azmin decide to defend his deputy president post in the party polls, this would mean a showdown with Rafizi Ramli, who is known to be close to Anwar's family.

Previously, Rafizi described the possible contest as one between career politicians and reformists.