Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has denied that his party ever gave a mandate to any leader to negotiate with Umno on a purported "grand collaboration" of Malay-Muslim parties, contradicting Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s claims.

In a statement today, Muhyiddin said Zahid's speech at the recently concluded Umno general assembly regarding discussions with Bersatu leadership to work towards Malay unity had raised questions about his party's position on the matter.