Coming to the defence of PN after social media went abuzz with speculation that it had a political agenda, he said the dinner, which was attended by top PN leaders, was organised by the state’s Chinese business community.

Critics said the dinner violated election campaign rules set by the Election Commission for the Johor polls.

“The event was not organised by PN. The Johor Chinese business community organised it and the presence of PN leaders was by invitation,” Saiful said in a statement today.

Among the PN leaders who attended the event were Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, its secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, the party’s Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and Gerakan president Dominic Lau.

Saiful said the dance performances at the Austin International Convention Centre were also decided by the organisers.

Muhyiddin was also invited to deliver a speech in which he slammed former prime minister Najib Razak for his corruption cases.

Lau said the good response showed the Chinese community now backed PN.

Johor goes to the polls on March 12, with early voting set for March 8.