All hell broke loose at the Kota Bahru airport when former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad was sprayed with mace this morning.

The former premier arrived at the airport at 10.50am for a two-day visit to the PAS-controlled state of Kelantan. He was greeted by more than 1,000 supporters.

He was then escorted by several men in jackets to a waiting Mitsubishi Pajero arranged by former Kelantan Umno strongman Ibrahim Ali.

It was at this point when Mahathir and Ibrahim Ali were sprayed with mace.

The former premier was apparently about to give a speech.

Following the attack, Mahathir was whisked away in a waiting black Honda Accord bearing the registration plate 'DS 666'.

According to Bernama , the former premier was seen coughing after the incident while journalists next to him also complained of eye-irritation.

'Act of sabotage'

Mahathir was then taken to the Renaissance Hotel where he underwent treatment. His special aide Sufi Yussof said the former premier's health was not affected by the incident.

Speaking to reporters later, Ibrahim Ali termed the attack as an 'act of sabotage'.

According to a source, the incident was linked to the rivalry between two groups of Mahathir supporters. One led by Ibrahim Ali and the other by former Umno Kuala Krai leader Nik Sapeia Nik Yusof.

The source said the two factions were at odds over who should host the Mahathir functions.

Meanwhile, the Star quoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan as saying that the person responsible for the attack has been identified.

( Picture courtesy MyKMU.net )