Dr Mahathir Mohamad has “berhenti” in China, according to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin amid claims that the 94-year-old leader had mulled stepping down as prime minister.

The home minister said that Mahathir, who is also Bersatu chairperson, is now “resting” in the republic.

Muhyiddin joked about this when a reporter asked him about the claims that Mahathir wanted to throw in the towel due to his frustration over the reshuffle of the Johor executive council.

The term 'berhenti', which means 'stop', can also be interpreted as relinquishing a position.

However, Muhyiddin was referring to Mahathir's official trip to China to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

“Ask the person who said (Mahathir wanted to quit). I don't know. It appears that Tun 'berhenti' in China, resting.

“He is still carrying out his duties and the issue of him resigning has never cropped up. It (the claim) was made up,” he added during a Facebook live press conference today.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini quoted a source as claiming Mahathir told the emergency Bersatu supreme council meeting on Monday night that he had considered bowing out.

The source claimed the premier said the thought crossed his mind when the three new exco members were sworn in that morning.

“He (Mahathir) was disappointed and taken aback because the new menteri besar (Dr Sahruddin Jamal) did not follow his advice to keep the cabinet as it is," the source added.

Sources also told Malaysiakini that Muhyiddin had apologised to Mahathir over the reshuffle and that what transpired was a miscommunication between the Bersatu president (Muhyiddin) and menteri besar.

'Do you want to see a fight?'

During the press conference, Muhyiddin said there is no rift between Mahathir and him but acknowledged that the two had differing opinions on certain issues.

Describing this as normal in politics, the minister, when quizzed on the matter, retorted: “Are you praying for something good or bad? Asking as if you want to see a fight... see a drama. We are not like that.”

“But yes, sometimes there are differences in views in any political process... we have to accept this as proof that our party is democratic and does not stifle anyone from giving their opinion,” he added.

Muhyiddin also denied there were two teams in Bersatu – 'Team Muhyiddin' and 'Team Mahathir' and stressed that there is only 'Team Bersatu'.

“It is not good for anyone to state that there is this team or that team. There are no teams. When I established this party, I only had Team Bersatu in mind or, for that matter, Team Pakatan Harapan.

“As such, it is not proper to make such statements. We are in one coalition. We have to cooperate, set aside differences or dissatisfactions, no matter what.

“Focus on efforts to support the (Johor) state government leadership and implement development efforts,” he added.