BN and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said "many" MPs from his coalition and party have voiced support for PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to form a new government.

"Umno and BN cannot stop MPs who have chosen to support Anwar, who wishes to be granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"I have been informed that many Umno and BN MPs have expressed support (for Anwar). I respect the position of those MPs," he added in a brief statement.

Zahid stressed that Umno and BN are not officially part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition.