Umno information chief Shamsul Anuar Nasarah has claimed that Bersatu is now spreading rumours of more MPs quitting Umno in a bid to prevent Anwar Ibrahim becoming the next prime minister.

In a statement today, Shamsul said that this was a reflection of Bersatu's own insecurities, now that Anwar has made his return to Parliament and would soon make his claim for prime ministership.

"Statements by Bersatu's leadership clearly shows that they are competing for influence with PKR and other Pakatan Harapan parties.

"All this happened because of Anwar (returning to Parliament)," he said.

Shamsul said such rumours were spread to showcase Bersatu's apparent influence, and to hide the fact that the party was controlling the government despite having only 13 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.

"This has caused Harapan component parties to question why a small party can lead the government," he said.

Shamsul was responding to a Malaysiakini article which cited Bersatu supreme council member A Kadir Jasin claiming that speculation of 40 MPs leaving Umno was rife.

A report in Singapore's Straits Times, however, cited Kadir saying that 40 Umno MPs had met top Bersatu leaders to express their desire to leave their party.

'Psychological warfare'

In a separate statement, Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad (photo) said Kadir’s claim is “psychological warfare” meant to disrupt Umno’s unity and cohesion.

She said efforts by Umno's opponents are underway to weaken the party.

“We need to be aware that the party is in critical condition, and that the focus now is to revive Umno through greater unity.

“At the same time, Wanita Umno is confident that Umno MPs are loyal to the party, and would not make decisions that would destroy the party and the trust of party members.

Umno has been hit by a string of defections in recent months. So far, Umno has lost six MPs since the May 9 general election and are now down to just 48.

So far, only one MP – Mustapa Mohamad – has joined Bersatu after winning the Jeli parliamentary seat on a BN ticket.

Bersatu has repeatedly stated that Umno MPs must become independents first before their application to join the party can be considered.