KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s senior member Datuk Rais Hussin Mohamed Arif explained today that he had been appointed as the head of the party’s Policy and Strategy Bureau ever since the party’s inception.

He said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was himself present during the meeting but denied using the title "chief strategist” after the party chairman said the party never appointed anyone to such a post and it was likely self-proclaimed.

"Tun Mahathir himself chaired the meeting with the Supreme Council members then. That includes the party president and deputy president, then secretary-general, treasurer and others.

"I never, ever called myself as the chief strategist. Even if you check the byline on my public articles, I clearly used the title of Policy and Strategy head,” he told Malay Mail in a text message.

Dr Mahathir had earlier today warned that any party member found making statements or announcements that could spoil the image of the party would be subjected to disciplinary action.

This comes after Rais told a forum yesterday that Pakatan Harapan (PH) is in serious danger of losing the election if polls were to be called soon.

The Bersatu Supreme Council member claimed PH appears to have stopped listening to the public after one year in Putrajaya.

"I will continue to speak the truth without fear or favour. Remember I am not a politician,” Rais said in response.