Muhyiddin Yassin's criticism of 1MDB's critics being arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) yesterday has led to brickbats for the former deputy prime minister for supporting the anti-terror legislation when it was tabled in Parliament.

However, Umno blogger Shahbudin Husin (photo) has come to Muhyiddin's defence, stating that the latter's support for the anti-terror law was not an endorsement for it to be abused by the government.

"Muhyiddin's role as chief whip when he was deputy prime minister was only to ensure the law, which had clear a intention and purpose, was passed. It did not mean he agreed for it to be abused," he said in a blog posting.

Shahbudin added that yesterday's joint condemnation by several elder statesmen - including Muhyiddin - was prompted precisely because the anti-terror law was abused to arrest former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan and his lawyer Matthias Chang.

The other signatories of a joint statement condemning the arrest were former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, former Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Junid, former minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, and former MCA chiefs Ling Liong Sik and Ong Tee Keat.

Khairuddin and Chang were charged with 'sabotaging the nation' after they lodged police reports in several countries concerning bank accounts linked to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and 1MDB.

"They have only lodged police reports in a few countries and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (in the US); what is the problem?

"If there is a basis to these reports, let the investigations proceed. Why feel threatened by mere police reports when investigations may or may not be conducted?" he said.

'Police reports not terrorism'

Yesterday, BN strategic communications director Abdul Rahman Dahlan criticised Muhyiddin, stating that it was a letter from him which ensured all BN MPs voted for Sosma in Parliament.

"What the BN strategic communication director needs to understand and digest is that the seven oppose Sosma as there are elements of abuse of power and it being used merely used to silence the prime minister's critics.

"Making police reports to the authorities, be it inside or outside the country, is a not terrorism nor a threat to national security as it is the best way to uncover the truth about 1MDB which may have committed wrongdoings in those countries," Shahbudin said.

Najib is embroiled in controversy over the deposits of RM2.6 billion in his personal bank accounts.

He has denied taking public funds for personal gain while his supporters claim the money was a 'political donation'.