Hamzah, who is also the opposition leader, urged the government to “cease the abuse of power and intimidation against MPs”, saying such action runs contrary to the principles of democracy.

“It is believed that intimidation and threats were used against the Kuala Kangsar MP to secure his support for the government to regain a two-thirds majority in Parliament,” he said in a statement today.

Hamzah claimed that Iskandar Dzulkarnain was brought to meet a top officer of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) at a hotel in Damansara on Oct 1 and threatened with corruption charges if he refused to sign a media statement stating his support for the government.

He said that before that, on Sept 26, Iskandar Dzulkarnain was also visited by a prominent businessman with the “Tan Sri” title, believed to have close ties to Anwar, near Damansara.

“The MP was pressured and coerced into supporting the prime minister and promised monetary rewards and positions in several companies,” he alleged.

Hamzah claimed that in a recent meeting with PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, Iskandar Dzulkarnain “appeared visibly distressed due to the intimidation being placed on him”.

He also said the Kuala Kangsar MP’s statement, which cited development allocations as justification for supporting the government, greatly differed from the explanations given to several party leaders.

Yesterday, Iskandar Dzulkarnain said his decision to support the government was made after considering the urgent need to address the rising cost of living in his constituency.

However, he said he would not leave or betray Bersatu under any circumstances, adding that he is still loyal to his party.

He said that even though he might face the risk of disciplinary action by Bersatu, he was unwilling to see the voters in his area being left behind economically because of political disputes.

Hamzah said Bersatu’s political bureau will seek further explanation from Iskandar Dzulkarnain before deciding on the next course of action.

FMT has reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office and MACC for comment.