KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian opposition MP Khairy Jamaluddin has denied submitting a request for Parliament to debate the transfer of power from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to Parti Keadilan Rakyat president Anwar Ibrahim.

Local media had reported on Friday (Nov 22) that the Rembau MP had proposed the private motion in a letter to parliamentary secretary Roosme Hamzah, apparently written on Nov 20 using his letterhead.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Mr Khairy said he had not sent any such letter or request.

"The actions of these parties who have used my name are totally irresponsible and represent a slander that could undermine my reputation as a Member of Parliament representing Rembau and the Barisan Nasional coalition," he said.

The Star had earlier confirmed with its sources that the letter was genuine.

Mr Khairy also posted a denial on his Instagram page, saying the letterhead for his stationery is different from the one in the letter which is being circulated online.

"I have never used a letterhead with YB Tuan Khairy bla bla bla on top. That's just so crass," he posted.

"Please don't drag me into this back room intrigue surrounding the succession. I am not involved and have no interest in being involved," he added.

The component parties of the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition had agreed for Datuk Seri Anwar to succeed Tun Mahathir as prime minister, however no exact date has been fixed for the transition. Calls for Dr Mahathir to step down have surfaced recently after PH suffered a massive defeat in the Tanjung Piai by-election in Johor last weekend.

Mr Khairy said on his Instagram post the transition should be settled within PH while he wanted to focus on policies that can assist Malaysians "who are now worse off under Harapan."