In a statement, PN youth leader Khairil Nizam Khirudin called the Muda president’s accusations “wild, immature and baseless”.

“YB Syed Saddiq’s statement arbitrarily claiming the charges against him to be a result of his refusal to join and support Perikatan Nasional is very disappointing,” he said, adding that he “clearly has his own agenda”.

He stressed that he was confident in the transparency and integrity of the judicial system, and it was the best avenue for the former youth and sports minister to clear his name.

“PN Youth has always adhered to the principle of the rule of law, where a person is innocent until proven guilty,” Khairil said.

This morning, Syed Saddiq was hit with two charges at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur.

He was slapped with one charge under Section 405 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust (CBT) over an allegation that he had withdrawn RM1 million in party funds from a bank without the consent of the top leadership.

Syed Saddiq also claimed trial to another charge of misappropriating RM120,000 in election funds belonging to Bersatu Youth under Section 403 of the Penal Code for misusing party funds meant for the 2018 general election.

Last night, Syed Saddiq said he would rather go to court than join PN, adding that he had received regular threats, telling him to join the ruling coalition before important votes in Parliament or face the consequences.

Speaking to reporters after posting bail on his CBT cases today, he said he was not the only MP being “targeted” by the authorities with corruption investigations launched against them.

He said he was informed during his visit to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission office that other MPs had also been called up by investigators.

“Some are scheduled to meet MACC tomorrow, and some had their session postponed.

“My message to them is clear, never bow to those who intimidate us,” he said.