Umno vice president Hishammuddin Hussein has derided quarters who spread the now debunked rumours that Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will quit.

Hishammuddin, who is also defence minister, said that the spreading of such irresponsible claims were mischieveous and meant to incite in-fighting within Umno.

"We cannot follow this rhythm because we have to close rank and give undivided support to the prime minister and deputy prime minister," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

This followed speculation that Muhyiddin (above) , who is also Umno deputy president, will quit the party circulated on the internet, including in pro-Umno blogs.

Both Muhyiddin and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak have denied the speculation.

Capt Zaharie not prime suspect

On a separate matter, Hishammuddin (right) , who is also acting Transport Minister also denied that MH370 flight captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah is the prime suspect in investigation into the plane's disappearance three months ago.

"If we want to entertain the newspaper in UK, they have new stories everyday.

"If there is basis to it, they have to give us the proof and leads. we will investigate. There is no need to announce it in the newspapers," the national newswrite reported him as saying in Kluang today.

He was also said thatt the report by UK Tabloid the Daily Mail was merely to boost its circulation.