KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Keadilan Rakyat has been accused of trying to confuse voters by claiming that 15 Barisan Nasional MPs in Sabah will join the party if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wins the by-election on Tuesday.

Sabah Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan's statement to the effect was "pure fabrication".

"It's not true. They are total lies by Jeffrey Kitingan. We have been given the mandate by the people and we will not desert BN but will continue with our struggles," the unity, culture, arts and heritage minister said.

On those who desecrate the Jalur Gemilang by hanging it upside or burning it, he said such cases should be investigated and stern action taken.

"We should respect the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of our sovereignty, independence and national pride," Shafie told a press conference in conjunction with National Day celebrations, which start on Aug 29.