Umno Youth leader Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the allegation was serious as it implied interference by the executive in the judiciary.

In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, Muhyiddin claimed that he was under pressure to “release several individuals who were charged with criminal offences”.

His allegation came in the wake of calls by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and several others for him to step down or test his majority support in Parliament immediately. He, however, said he would table a confidence vote only in September.

In a Facebook post, Asyraf said Muhyiddin’s claim had raised questions on whether the judiciary could be bought, and it could tarnish the image and integrity of the courts.

He said both Zahid and former prime minister Najib Razak had repeatedly announced they would clear their names of all their criminal charges in court.