AN aide to Dr Mahathir Mohamad  today dispelled rumours the 95-year-old leader was workinf with Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to stop Anwar Ibrahim from becoming prime minister.

Khairuddin Abu Hassan issued the denial after a photo of Dr Mahathir and Tengku Razaleigh went viral today.

Khairuddin and his wife Umie Aida are also in the picture, along with Dr Mahathir’s wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

“This picture was taken four years ago during Hari Raya. This is not a recent picture,” he said on Facebook.

Social media users appear to doubt his word, noting and commenting on the mask worn by Dr Mahathir and another in Khairuddin’s hands in the picture.

One comment asked why the men had needed to use masks  four years ago while arguing that a Dr Mahathir fan page on Facebook stated the photo was taken a month ago.

“Which one is the truth? Or both lying,” wrote on Chy Azlan.

Social media is buzzing with speculation that Tengku Razaleigh and Dr Mahathir are conspiring to prevent opposition leader Anwar from ascending to power.

Tengku Razaleigh met with the Agong on Tuesday, hours after Anwar was reported to have presented the ruler with documents backing his claim of majority support in parliament.

The same day Anwar said he had furnished the monarch with a list of MPs on his side but the palace later denied such a list was  received by – October 14, 2020.