Acknowledging the accusations by some of PAS using the rally for political mileage, Puad said he did not mind them as they reflected Najib’s enduring popularity among Malaysians.

“We’re expecting 15,000 Umno members dressed in red to attend the rally. Umno was already planning this rally long before PAS announced (that it was holding one).

“Najib’s popularity is feared (by our rivals). That’s why some parties are sincere while others want to politicise the addendum order. Regardless, Umno remains in solidarity with Najib.

“If PAS wants to play politics, let it be,” he said in a Facebook post.

Political analysts had said that the PAS-led rally to be held outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya was not about securing justice for Najib but rather a strategic move to gain political mileage.

Federal Territories Umno information chief Ghulam Muzaffar Gulam Mustakim also questioned PAS’s intentions in holding the rally, saying it was strange as leaders from PAS and Bersatu had previously campaigned for Najib to be prosecuted and thrown in jail.

Ghulam Muzaffar said it was clear that neither PAS nor Bersatu actually cared about the former prime minister’s case, but were simply trying to make political gains.

PAS’s rally will be held on the same day that the Court of Appeal hears Najib’s application on a purported supplementary decree placing him under house arrest.