Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has played down claims that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim was once offered the post of deputy prime minister.

"I do not know about the issue, I only read about it in the newspapers.

"However, there are more important issues to be handled than the battling for positions," Muhyiddin told reporters at a function in Putrajaya today.

The Pagoh MP also urged citizens not to be influenced by such talk.

“If DAP or whover want to make accusations like that, let them be. It is their right.

"Do not be trapped by such statements, they are just trying to stir up debates and conflicts," Muhyiddin added.

He also said this is not what the people of Malaysia expect from their leaders.

“I do not think this (conflicts) is what is wanted by the people,” Muhyiddin said.

PKR vice-presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar and Rafizi Ramli have claimed that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak offered Anwar the position of deputy prime minister after the last parliamentary election.

Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla ( right ) had reportedly mediated talks between Najib and Anwar following the GE13 after Pakatan managed to secure 52 percent of the popular vote, while BN secured 51.4 percent of the parliamentary seats.

Meanwhile, when asked about the talks on the formation of a PAS-Umno unity government, Muhyiddin refuted it by stating it was mere suggestions.

“There were talks before on this proposal coming from many sections of Malay populists.

"However, these are just views,” he said.

Acknowledging that unity among Malays was important for the growth of the country, he emphasised that there should not be a continued split among the Malay population.

“They should unite not for the sake of the Malays but for the sake of the country as they are the core race.

“If the Malays unite, then it will be easier for Malaysians to become developed,” Muhyiddin reiterated.