“Fake news like this shows that certain quarters have run out of issues in an attempt to weaken Bersatu,” Rashid said in a statement.

The Batu Pahat MP said allegations that both he and international trade and industry minister Azmin Ali wanted to exit the party were just “cheap propaganda”.

“I’ve been confident in the future of the party since day one. I will continue to remain with Bersatu,” he added.

Rashid’s statement comes in the wake of Azmin having to dismiss rumours that he would follow Zuraida Kamaruddin out of Bersatu.

The former PKR deputy president reportedly said that he identifies with the Muhyiddin Yassin-led party’s ideals and principles.

On Tuesday, the Bersatu president denied claims that Azmin and Rashid were leaving the party, questioning those who started such rumours and saying they did not need to fear his party.

On May 26, Zuraida, seen as a close ally of Azmin, quit Bersatu to join the newly-formed Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM).

Rashid and Zuraida were among the 10 PKR MPs who joined Azmin in leaving the party following the Sheraton Move in February 2020. They later joined Bersatu after being sacked by PKR.