A posting that has gone viral on social media, claiming to show the leadership line-up of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's planned new party, is not real.

One of Mahathir's lieutenants, Khairuddin Abu Hassan, who was named in the list as the party's secretary-general, told Malaysiakini that the list "is fake".

The list, making rounds on the social media, claims that the new party, named Parti Melayu Baru Bersatu (New United Malays Party), will have Muhyiddin Yassin as its president, with Shafie Apdal as the deputy.

The vice-presidents named are former law minister Zaid Ibrahim, former PAS vice-president Husam Musa, Mahathir's son Mukhriz and former Umno Wanita chief Rafidah Aziz. 

The list also features a list of supreme council members who are a mish-mash of politicians, activists, and technocrats, including former Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail, Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali and cultural dance activist Bilqis Hijjaz.

The fake list appeared two days after Mahathir confirmed speculation that the formation of a new political party is in the works.

It is to be part of a grand coalition that would also feature PKR, DAP and Amanah that would fight BN in the next general election.

Mahathir said it has not been decided whether the new party would be exclusive to Malays or be open to all.