“Muhyiddin should resign from Bersatu because of its loss in the Johor elections. By right, Muhyiddin and the Bersatu ministers should resign from the government,” said Puad in a Facebook post.

“Muhyiddin attacked Umno and Umno ministers. Therefore, is it right for Muhyiddin and the Bersatu ministers to remain in a (federal) government led by Umno?”

The Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition which Muhyiddin helms only managed to secure three of the 56 seats it contested – Bukit Kepong, Endau and Maharani.

Bersatu’s Dr Sahruddin Jamal and Alwiyah Talib won Bukit Kepong and Endau, respectively, while PAS’ Aziz Talib clinched Maharani.

Barisan Nasional scored a landslide victory with 40 seats while Pakatan Harapan took 12 and Muda claimed one.

Accepting responsibility for the defeat, Muhyiddin said he was prepared to step down as the PN chairman.

However, several Bersatu leaders have urged him to stay on as the PN chairman, including Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Supreme Council member Faiz Naáman, who both said the former prime minister’s leadership was still needed to steer Bersatu and the coalition.