An MCA leader has questioned if the violence that erupted at yesterday's Nothing to Hide 2 forum, which witnessed flares ignited and chairs being thrown, was intended for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak as well.

“It is shameful to see that the opposition forum... was filled with chaos and violence. This is uncommon in our Malaysian political culture.

“Considering the hosts had invited Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to participate in the forum, the question to be asked is: 'Was the violence planned and intended for Najib as well?'” central committee member Ti Lian Ker said in a statement today.

Ti said it was disheartening and embarrassing to see the violence that flared up against Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Since the youths arrested over the fracas were clad in Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Youth wing T-shirts, he said, this also begged the question if the party was directly involved.

“If so, then the violence was also meant for the prime minister,” he added.

However, Bersatu's Youth wing said the three were not its members. The wing alleged that the suspects were paid to masquerade as party members.

Ti also criticised the opposition for cultivating a political culture based on provocations and emotions.

“In retrospect, how fortunate it is that our prime minister did not attend,” he added.

Ti claimed that the events leading up to the forum proved that the opposition is only good at stoking anger and violence in search of power.

“This has led to violence at their own forums as a result of anger or frustration at their leaders, who were bitter enemies and then became political buddies thereafter. This political culture of violence is new and alien to Malaysian politics.

“I urge the police to take the matter seriously and investigate to identify and bring the culprits to justice immediately to uphold law and order,” he added.

Ti also urged the opposition to stop organising forums if it was not able to guarantee the safety of those attending them.