Izhar Shah Arif Shah said such narratives were being propagated by “sheep” who wanted to weaken the party.

“Such accusations are not only false, but aimed at creating schism in Bersatu. The impending party polls have nothing to do with clashes between camps.

“Rather, it is a democratic process that provides members the opportunity to pick the best leaders who can bring the party forward,” the Seberang Jaya assemblyman said in a statement.

Izhar Shah was responding to an FMT report quoting sources as saying that next month’s party elections are expected to be a proxy war between the two former federal ministers, with both leaders vying to expand their influence within the party.

A Bersatu insider said Hamzah and Azmin, originally from Umno and PKR, were aiming to place their proxies or “right-hand men” in key positions across the party, including the Supreme Council and the ancillary wings.

Hamzah, the current secretary-general, is the sole candidate for the deputy president’s post. He will replace Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is vying for one of the three vice-president’s slots instead.

Azmin is sitting out this election, with speculation rife that he is set to take over from Hamzah as the new Bersatu secretary-general.

Izhar Shah urged party members to reject such “irresponsible” narratives and work together to strengthen the party.

Izhar Shah will be involved in a three-cornered battle for the Bersatu Youth deputy chief’s post with Faiz Rahmad and Adib Shaharuddin.