Speaking to the party’s delegates at its annual general assembly here, the former prime minister called for them to be prepared.
This comes in the wake of the police probe into a gathering in support of Muhyiddin outside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
He was arrested by the MACC on Thursday and charged in court the next day on charges related to abuse of power and money laundering.
Meanwhile, police said last night that they had summoned a man who criticised the government in a speech outside the Kuala Lumpur court complex on Friday.
“Be prepared. The media’s freedom will be restricted, free speech will be constrained, and freedom of assembly will be restricted,” Muhyiddin said.
“Don’t be surprised if some TikTok users will be arrested and those who comment on social media will face pressure.
“That is how they are. When they are not in power, they tell lies. When they are in power, they oppress others.”
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.
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman has repeatedly said the charges against him were politically-motivated and meant to damage his reputation and that of Bersatu and PN.
Democracy is dead in Umno
Meanwhile, criticising Umno for its decision to form the unity government with Pakatan Harapan (PH) after the last general election (GE15), Muhyiddin claimed that Umno – the country’s largest Malay party – could no longer be relied on to champion the interests of Malays and Islam.
He also claimed that Umno’s decision in allowing no contests for its top two posts in the party’s polls proved that “democracy is dead in Umno”.
Muhyiddin went on to allege that Umno’s constitution had been violated to protect the interests of an individual, alluding to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“This individual is also protected by PH’s leadership, and by this individual’s control over Umno, PH will remain in power,” he said.
“Umno is no longer concerned with Malay political power but has become a tool to keep PH in power.
“For us and the majority of Malays, this is the end of Umno.”
We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.