He said this in response to questions about whether the actions of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in filing those charges against the former prime minister had weakened or divided Bersatu in any way.

“It has only united us and we stand by our president,” he said at a press conference here.

“Although the mood at Bersatu’s annual general assembly has changed because of the charges, we remain united.”

Faizal added that Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters were also standing in solidarity with Bersatu after seeing a prominent figure like Muhyiddin being charged.

Meanwhile, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said Muhyiddin’s charges were cruel.

He reiterated his claim that it was political prosecution aimed at tarnishing the party’s reputation.

“They are doing this on purpose as the state elections are coming and, unfortunately, our president has become the victim.”

Hamzah also claimed that Muhyiddin’s lawyers had requested for certain documents from the prosecution so that they could prepare the PN chairman’s defence statement.

However, he said, the lawyers were told to wait until around May for the documents. The opposition leader claimed this proved that the prosecution did not have enough evidence for the case.

When asked whether he could be the next Bersatu leader to be charged, Hamzah dismissed such speculation.

This morning, Muhyiddin claimed trial to four counts of abuse of power in relation to the Jana Wibawa programme to obtain RM232.5 million for Bersatu. He also pleaded not guilty to two charges of money laundering amounting to RM195 million.

He is the latest Bersatu leader to be charged in connection with Jana Wibawa.

Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Segambut deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad were charged last month with soliciting and accepting bribes involving the programme.

After being charged, Muhiyiddin claimed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers had decided to prosecute him even before MACC’s investigation against him had been completed.