PAGOH: Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has dismissed talk that its oldest candidate Tosrin Jarvanthi, who is contesting the Bukit Permai seat, has been picked as its mentri besar candidate.

       He described a poster being circulated on social media as a fake that was being spread by irresponsible parties.

       "No, it is fake. I have already said we will not announce any names (as mentri besar candidate). This is a tactic by some bad people," he told reporters at an event by the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry here on Friday (March 11).

       The post, with the title "Who will be your Johor Mentri Besar choice?" features Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (Barisan Nasional), Simpang Renggam MP Dr Maszlee Malik (Pakatan Harapan) and Tosrin, 72, and went viral on social media recently.

       Muhyiddin said he was also being slandered by claims that he supported Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a prime minister candidate.

       "What is that all about? We... deny this.

       "During this critical period, some (people) feel pressured until they are willing to tell lies and slander just to get votes.

       "We must be careful of those with bad intentions and hope no one will fall for it," he added.

       He said Johor voters will not be swayed by rumours.

       Muhyiddin had previously said that Perikatan would only name its mentri besar candidate once it secures the numbers to win the election.

       Johor will go to the polls on Saturday (March 12).