KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived at the KL Court Complex at 8.15am today to face charges, following an overnight arrest by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

Hundreds of Umno supporters had gathered outside of the complex today, in support of its de facto president. Police presence was heavier than usual with several light strike force units on standby.

Some had gathered outside the court complex since as early as 6am, extending a solidarity rally at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya last night.

Chants of "hidup Umno", "bebas Zahid" and "siasat Mahathir" can be heard from supporters which came from as far as Sungai Petani, Kedah, joined by Umno strongman and Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, and its secretary general Tan Sri Annuar Musa, among others.

Also giving support in court was former minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri.

Things turned to a bit of a commotion when the crowd was told that Zahid is actually already in the court premises and entered without their realisation.

An online news portal reported that he may face as many as 35 charges over misappropriation of up to RM7 million, quoting sources.

His arrest follows that of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who himself is facing 32 charges of money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving monies worth over RM2 billion, which were allegedly sourced from 1MDB.

Bulk of Najib's charges underlined some of the monies as being distributed to Umno branches. He has claimed trial.