Instead, Zahid attributed any apparent differences in statements to remarks being taken out of context, Sinar Harian reported.

“There’s no misunderstanding because we regularly hold consultations and discussions,” he told reporters after officiating the Kemas Educators’ Day celebration in Bangi, Selangor.

Zahid, who is also Umno president, was asked about possible friction between federal and state BN leaders over matters related to the Sabah election.

He also said there is no need for Pakatan Harapan to act as a “bridge” between BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the lead-up to the polls, adding that both BN and PH are already aligned.

“We’re open to collaboration with other parties and coalitions, and discussions are already under way.

“I don’t think there’s a need for any bridge or intermediary (between BN and GRS). God willing, we’ll hold broader negotiations than just within GRS,” he added.

Yesterday, a GRS leader said the coalition and PH are on the right track to reach a pact for the upcoming Sabah election.

Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah vice-president Masiung Banah cited GRS chairman Hajiji Noor’s consistent willingness to work with PH for the state polls as a major reason for this.

He also said GRS is on the same page with BN in not working together for the state election.

Last month, the unity government secretariat announced that BN and PH had agreed to work together to face the state election, following a meeting between Zahid and PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim.

Hajiji then threatened that GRS would go solo if this pact was finalised, but Anwar later stepped in and called for PH-BN to work with the state coalition.

Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin later said the coalition would not work with GRS in the state election but would consider cooperation only after the outcome of the polls.