Melaka PPBM secretary Zamzuri Ariffin said these claims were part of a plot by several party leaders in the state to smear the reputation of the entrepreneur development minister.

“They are trying to discredit Redzuan. We are here to show our support for him,” he said in a press conference here today.

Earlier today, Redzuan dismissed the report by Malaysiakini which had quoted sources as saying that division leaders in Melaka, through a “unanimous vote”, wanted him removed as head of the party’s state chapter.

He also rubbished allegations that he was eyeing the top positions in the party, including the chairman’s post of Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Without mentioning names, Zamzuri said one of the individuals said to be against Redzuan’s leadership had himself failed to turn up for three meetings in a row without offering any explanation.

“This is a grave breach of party discipline,” he added. “This person also has a bad record and previously had his membership suspended for a long time.”

He urged the party’s central leadership to replace the said leader, adding that now was not the time to “play politics”.