Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is saddened by the violence at the “Nothing to Hide 2” forum in Shah Alam yesterday.

He said the police would investigate the matter and those responsible would be prosecuted regardless of whether they are from opposition parties or outside elements.

"I am very sad with what happened at the 'Nothing to Hide' function. Surely as a democratic country, the incident should not happen […]

"The police will conduct investigations, take action, and (recommend) prosecution if the perpetrators are found, regardless of whether (the perpetrators are from that) party or if it were outsiders who caused the ruckus.

"I hope that democracy can be upheld properly in this country. Although we may have different opinions, surely violence against any individual or prominent figure should not happen," he told a press conference at the Putra World Trade Centre today.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the 37th World Congress of International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR).

He also confirmed that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) had a permit to conduct the event.

When asked about allegations that Umno was involved in perpetrating the violence, Zahid said this was beyond his knowledge.

“(But) we would investigate through the police,” added Zahid, who is also the home minister.

The forum yesterday was set up as a debate between Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

However, Najib did not turn up and the one-sided affair went on until slippers were thrown towards Mahathir during the question-and-answer session.

This was followed with chairs, bottles, and at least two flares being thrown in the hall, and fighting also ensued and spilled outside the hall where the event was held.

Police have detained three youths over the incident, while Mahathir managed to escape unhurt.