PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has denied he was in a phone call with Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and said a recording of the conversation which has gone viral was the work of the government spreading lies.

He said the audio clip was released in an attempt by the government to stir up conflict among Umno leaders after failing to buy them over.

"Tonight, not only do I want to refute (the authenticity of the recording), but it's clear that the country's leadership is...