Mahathir’s town hall marred by violence

KUALA LUMPUR — A town hall meeting with former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who now heads an opposition coalition, was marred by violence Sunday, with several people hurling flares, chairs and shoes at the stage.

The chaos erupted while the 92-year-old Mahathir was answering questions at the forum, which was hosted by the new political party he established to try to oust Prime Minister Najib Razak in elections due by mid-2018. Shoes, water bottles and chairs were flung at the stage before two flares were lit, filling the hall with smoke and turning it bright pink.

Mahathir was safely escorted out of the hall. Forum Organizer Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said several people were injured but couldn't give details on the exact number or their condition.

Police said three people, ranging in age from 17 to 19, were detained.

Syed Saddiq slammed the disruption as "sabotage," saying officials from Mahathir's Bersatu party had earlier noticed a group of youths wearing T-shirts with fake logos of Bersatu's youth wing.

Opposition Lawmaker Azmin Ali said: "Najib is using gangsterism to shut Mahathir's mouth. It's a cowardly act."

Several government ministers denounced the violence and said it was irresponsible for Azmin to blame Najib.

"I have condemned what took place but wait for police to conclude investigations before you start pointing fingers," Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tweeted.

Communications Minister Salleh Said Keruak said there was no evidence to show Najib was behind the fracas.

"Let's remember that gangsterism is not our political culture," he wrote on his blog.