Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described the 45 charges against him as a test from God and vowed to use the court proceedings as a platform to clear his name.

"I will use the court as the best platform, not only to defend myself against all the allegations but to make everything clear.

"I will prove that all I have done - the construction of several premises, including Tahfiz schools, mosques, surau, and orphanages - was for Islam," he told reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur court complex this afternoon.

Zahid also reassured his supporters that all good deeds done with the intention to uphold Islam would be protected by God.

Some 200 supporters gathered outside the gates since early this morning, in solidarity with their leader.

At one point, the crowd turned rowdy as they insisted to be allowed in beyond the main gate, prompting a team of riot police to stand guard.

An unidentified supporter also threw a plastic water bottle towards the police.

Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Nor Adam urged the crowd to back off, but a small group refused to follow his orders.

The crowd eventually dispersed about 1pm, after Zahid's departure.