Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein today denied a report, published in a newspaper in the United Kingdom (UK), that Captain Zaharie Shah was the prime suspect behind the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370.

He described the action by the newspaper concerned in publishing the report as irresponsible and that it was only to increase the newspaper circulation.

"If we want to entertain the newspapers in UK, they have new stories everyday.

If there is a basis to it, they have to give us the proof and leads. We will investigate. There is no need to announce it in the newspapers," he told reporters after the "1Veteran 1Malaysia: Jasa Mu Sentiasa Dikenang dan Dihargai" event here today.

Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, said Malaysia was always consistent on the matter that confirmation from experts and relevant authorities would have to be obtained before any information could be made public.

He said the matter had also been made clear by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

"So, we should not entertain conspiracy theories because if there is something that is hidden, there'll be parties that will protest," he added.

The Sunday Times in UK reported that the Malaysian police had regarded the prime suspect in the missing MH370 as its pilot, Captain Zaharie Shah.

In another development, Hishammuddin regarded rumours of him replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin as Deputy Prime Minister as mischievous and irresponsible.

He said it was intended to put UMNO leaders an logger heads and weaken the party.

"We cannot follow this rhythm because we have to close rank and give undivided support to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister," he added.

Prior to this, the social media and bloggers had posted reports on the possibility of Muhyiddin stepping down to focus on efforts to strengthen UMNO.

This followed speculation of a cabinet reshuffle by the prime minister to bring in leaders from MCA and Gerakan into the cabinet.