Kedah PKR chief Johari Abdul has sarcastically described Amanah leader Khairuddin Abu Hassan as a "top spy".

This is after Khairuddin, a stalwart of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, claimed that there was a plot against the prime minister.

"I am awestruck by his ability to detect a movement to oust the prime minister. He is a top spy, I don't know where he got his training from.

"This is not a mere plot to oust a village chief but the prime minister. If he can know, that means he is indeed awesome," Johari told Malaysiakini when contacted.

Khairuddin had previously claimed of a plot against Mahathir in response to Johari's criticism against Mahathir. 

Johari had said Mahathir's government cannot keep focussing on the alleged wrongdoing of previous government but must provide a positive direction to unite the people.

Refusing to entertain Khairuddin's claim, Johari said the former was a "unique individual" and "full of surprises".

"Khairuddin is someone who likes to make surprises.

"I congratulate him for igniting claims of a movement to topple the prime minister," he said.