Muhyiddin’s former principal private secretary Marzuki Mohamad said the agreement was witnessed by a minister from Bersatu and another from Umno.

“I would like to confirm the agreement exists,” Berita Bersatu quoted him as saying.

“As an official for the prime minister (Muhyiddin) at the time, I was directly involved in drafting the agreement. It was signed by Muhyiddin and Ismail on Aug 17, 2021 and witnessed by a minister from Bersatu and one from Umno.”

Marzuki said a clause in the agreement stated that the signed document could not be published or disclosed in any form and must only be kept for the reference of those involved.

Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan recently claimed that the party’s demand for the post was part of the agreement for Perikatan Nasional to support Ismail as the prime minister before his appointment last August.

Wan Saiful also claimed that the terms of the agreement were accepted by Ismail and PN.

Last Saturday, Muhyiddin, who is also PN chairman, said his recent meeting with Ismail was to discuss political appointments, including the deputy prime minister’s post. He also said the appointment of a deputy prime minister was part of an agreement between PN and Ismail.