Approximately 20 supporters of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak turned up at the Kuala Lumpur court complex today as he was facing fresh criminal charges.

The number of supporters were far fewer than the estimated 50 people who showed up when the first few criminal charges were laid against Najib in July.

Among those who turned up today was Isham Jalil, a former Economic Planning Unit officer and aide to Najib.

Isham blamed the low turnout on the federal government.

"It was done intentionally. (Najib) received the notice at the last minute. It appears (to be an attempt) to make it look like the number of supporters today are low," said the Wharton-trained economist.

"The government should stop using such tactics."

Familiar faces among the 20 people included Umno supreme council member Lokman Noor Adam and actress Ellie Suriati Omar.

The group were mostly lounging around the lobby and speaking to reporters.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was also present, but did not join the group.

Najib was jointly charged with former treasurer-general Irwan Serigar Abdullah with six counts of criminal breach of trust involving RM6.6 billion in government funds.