Hamzah said the corruption charges brought against Muhyiddin were not in his personal capacity but involved his position as Bersatu president.

“The Supreme Council urges all members and supporters to be patient and remain calm as the president and Bersatu go through this major test of slander and cruelty,” he said.

On Friday, Muhyiddin claimed trial to four counts of abuse of power in relation to the Jana Wibawa programme to obtain RM232.5 million for Bersatu. He also pleaded not guilty to two charges of money laundering amounting to RM195 million.

He later told a press conference that he would leave it to the Bersatu Supreme Council to decide if he should remain the party’s president.

Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional chairman, was the latest Bersatu leader to be charged in connection with Jana Wibawa, after Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Segambut deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad.

Wan Saiful had relinquished his post as Bersatu information chief after he was charged.

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