The Bersatu co-founder said he did not want to burden the party and its leadership with criticism arising from such perceptions.

“I am considered a strong Muhyiddin supporter by many, and if I sit on the board, its neutrality may be called into question.

“As much as possible, members of the appeals board should not comprise individuals with close ties to the leadership. So it’s best that I turn down the appointment,” he told FMT.

Redzuan said he has written to Muhyiddin to inform him of his decision.

Yesterday, Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali announced that former Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Harun has been appointed to helm the board, while its other members are Redzuan, former MPs Zulkifli Noordin and Abdul Latiff Ahmad, as well as Fahimee Ismail.

Zulkifli, formerly of PKR, used to serve as an aide to Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, when Hamzah was the home minister.

Their appointments come as Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal appeal their respective sacking and suspension from the party.

Also sacked from the party were division leaders Azrudin Idris (Hang Tuah Jaya), Faizal Asmar (Pengerang), Fadhli Ismail (Ipoh Timur) and Isa Saidi (Ampang).