The coalition cited institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Inland Revenue Board and the police as political weapons following several arrests and investigations launched against some opposition politicians.

In a strongly-worded statement, the PH presidential council said any abuse of government agencies or institutions with the intention of disturbing, pressuring or threatening political rivals was unacceptable.

“This was the motive behind recent investigations against several MPs such as Lim Guan Eng, Steven Choong, Larry Sng and Dr Xavier Jayakumar.

“Political competition must take place in a healthy environment, with democratic practices that are in line with the Federal Constitution,” the statement said.

It was signed by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, DAP secretary-general Lim and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Last week, the MACC arrested PKR Perak deputy chairman MA Tinagaran, who is linked to Xavier, the former water, land and natural resources mnister. Tinagaran was suspected of accepting bribes from several companies for a project awarded by the ministry in 2019.

“At this juncture, we understand that these actions were being done to pressure them to declare their support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin,” it said.

Recently, Anwar and Warisan president Shafie Apdal claimed their party members were offered “millions” to defect.

Anwar alleged that besides the million-ringgit offers, Julau MP Sng and Tebrau MP Choong who were sacked from PKR after they defected, may have been “pressured” in other ways to back Muhyiddin.