At a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur court complex, the former prime minister said every party needed funds to operate and this included funds from corporate supporters.

Insisting that Bersatu was subject to selective prosecution, he said Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional had also received funds from their supporters, but questioned why their leaders were not charged in court.

“We actually expected that this would be done by the PH-BN government to weaken Bersatu after seeing growing support for Perikatan Nasional,” said the PN chairman.

Muhyiddin said Bersatu’s constitution allowed for funds to be collected from the public, including individuals who support its cause.

“This includes funds given by businessmen who support the party,” he said.

He also said that until now, there is no specific law on political funding enacted in Malaysia.

Muhyiddin questioned why parties within PH and BN did not face the same fate as they also received funds from the public, including businessmen.

He said the matter was being played up by the unity government as it is “seen to be failing at solving the people’s issues and will be rejected in the coming state polls”.

He claimed the PH-BN government will face “judgment” during the elections for their “malicious intentions” for such “witch-hunting”.

The Pagoh MP said he was saddened that Bersatu was being dragged to court, and hoped that Wan Saiful would be given a fair trial.

He advised Bersatu members not to take any action that would cause public disorder.

“Party leaders have already taken the appropriate action through legal channels,” he said.

Earlier, Wan Saiful claimed trial to accepting a bribe of close to RM7 million in relation to the Jana Wibawa initiative.

He was also charged with soliciting an unspecified amount for a road project worth RM232 million linked to the programme.

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