A “unity government” between Pakatan Harapan parties and Umno is not relevant, said PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim.

"There has been no such proposal, and therefore to my mind, it is not relevant to discuss (it).

"We (Harapan) never discussed it because it was not proposed," Anwar told reporters.

Anwar, who is also the Harapan de facto leader, was responding to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was reported today as saying that the party was open to forming a unity government with any party from the ruling federal coalition.

Zahid said that this could happen before or after Anwar becomes prime minister, but the sooner the better.

Anwar said Harapan's stand, however, is that the coalition will stick together, to look after the country and the economy.

Meanwhile, on the possibility that PAS may field a candidate to run against him in the Port Dickson by-election, Anwar said: "It's a democracy, anyone can contest".

The Port Dickson by-election is meant to pave the way for Anwar's return to Parliament, and his eventual takeover from Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister.

The by-election had set the stage for a possible collaboration between Umno and Pakatan Harapan, after Padang Rengas MP Nazri Abdul Aziz said he would campaign for Anwar in the by-election. 

Umno will not be contesting in Port Dickson. 

Nomination day for the by-election is this Sunday, while voting takes place on Oct 13.