PETALING JAYA, Feb 23 — PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has arrived at the Sheraton Hotel here where party leaders aligned to him have gathered, ahead of a rumoured new political coalition involving a faction led by him.

Also present were Azmin’s son and his daughter-in-law.

Azmin merely smiled to the press and made his way to the lift, surrounded by heavy escort.

Azmin did not speak to journalists as he left the hotel despite many who had waited there since the morning.

Umno and PAS leaders arrived at the Sheraton Hotel here and swiftly entered a meeting room to join PKR MPs from Azmin’s so-called "cartel”.

Among them were Umno’s Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor, Tan Sri Annuar Musa, and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob

PAS was represented by Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Nik Mohamad Zawawi Salleh.

Also present was Bersatu’s Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

However, all refused to say why they were gathered here when approached by reporters.

Speculation about a possible change of government went into overdrive today when the major political parties arranged impromptu meetings, after the Pakatan Harapan presidential council met to discuss the contentious power transition on Friday.

On Friday, Bersatu warned that it could leave PH after some leaders tried to make Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad fix a date for when he will step down as the prime minister.

Earlier today, sources told Malay Mail that leaders of political parties allegedly planning a new coalition government were granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara today.

These include Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg, and Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

Also in the mix was Azmin.