PUTRAJAYA: The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leadership has brushed off speculation that two of its ministers will return to Umno, saying this was part of the 'psywar' ahead of the Johor state election.

       Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic) said it was an attempt to convince Johor voters not to believe in the party.

       "It's just a rumour, please don’t believe it. If it’s a poison pen letter, there’s more reason for you not to believe the contents.

       "You should only believe it if the person (said to be leaving) declares it himself," he told a press conference here on Thursday (Feb 10).

       Talk has been rife that two ministers from Bersatu are planning to return to Umno.

       According to the speculation, one of them holds a senior party post while the other is "a young chap".

       Johor will head to the polls on March 12 with nominations on Feb 28.