KUALA LUMPUR — Hours after Malaysia's king named Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as the country’s new prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced on Saturday night that he has the support of 114 Members of Parliament — which exceeds the simple majority of 112 MPs — to be the premier.

Dr Mahathir released the names of the 114 MPs and added that he will notify the King of this.

"I hope the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong will accept my letter and explanation," he said in a statement.

He added that Mr Muhyiddin had wrongly declared that he had the backing of 114 MPs when six were actually on Dr Mahathir's side.

"The number he presented to the King was incorrect," added Dr Mahathir.

Earlier on Saturday evening, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leader Anwar Ibrahim had also said that the former Pakatan Harapan (PH) ruling coalition which is backing Dr Mahathir to become prime minister, has the support of a majority of lawmakers in parliament.

Dr Mahathir and Mr Anwar's comments came after Malaysia's king on Saturday evening named Mr Muhyiddin as the next prime minister, saying Mr Muhyiddin possibly had the support of a majority in parliament.

Mr Muhyiddin was to be sworn as Malaysia’s eighth prime minister at 10.30am on Sunday.

But not long after the Palace statement, PH leaders turned up at the Al-Bukhary Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, in what appeared to be a bid to show that there is enough votes from MPs for Dr Mahathir to be PM again. 

Lembah Pantai MP Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil had broadcast a live video on the happenings inside the building owned by business tycoon Syed Mokhtar Shah Syed Nor Albukhary, a long-time ally of Dr Mahathir.

In the slightly over four-minute broadcast, Mr Fahmi showed former Works Minister Baru Bian, formerly from the rogue faction of PKR led by Mohamed Azmin Ali, signing a Statutory Declaration affirming support for Dr Mahathir as prime minister. 

Mr Baru, who is Selangau MP, was later given the number “114” and posed for a photo next to the smiling nonagenarian, indicating him to be the 114th MP voicing support for the Langkawi MP.

The situation inside the building was rather lively, with MPs supporting Dr Mahathir in smiles.

“Never despair. We will continue to fight for the truth,” former Health Minister and Kuala Selangor MP, Dzulkefly Ahmad told viewers.

Dr Mahathir’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali was also present.

Others seen entering the building include Mr Anwar, Democratic Action Party (DAP) chief Lim Guan Eng and Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong.

Political parties that had endorsed Mr Muhyiddin as prime minister include his own party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and Barisan Nasional component party members United Malays National Organisation, Malaysian Chinese Organisation and Malaysian Indian Congress.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan had said on Saturday evening that Mr Muhyiddin has the support of 114 out of 222 MPs.

These include the MPs from Gabungan Parti Sarawak, which has 18 MPs. AGENCIES