Ahmad said there has been no discussion within Umno’s top leadership on Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin’s recent suggestion for the two parties to work together.

“If Bersatu wants to cooperate with Umno or even desires rejoining us, they should submit a formal letter stating their intention,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying after attending a programme in Benut, Johor, today.

“Stop bringing it up repeatedly in the media. If there’s no formal request, how can we discuss it officially?”

Hamzah had said in a podcast on Thursday that Bersatu was open to working with Umno because of their shared ideological values.

He had earlier reiterated this stance during the Ayer Kuning by-election, which Umno won with an increased majority despite low voter turnout.

In response, Umno Veterans Club secretary Mustapha Yaakub called on Bersatu to dissolve and return to Umno, claiming that PAS has made several attempts to join the unity government.