Umno leaders condemn violence against Mahathir during forum

Kuala Lumpur

LEADERS of Malaysia's ruling party have condemned the violence that erupted at a forum where former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was speaking, as political tension rises ahead of a general election that could be called in coming months.

One opposition leader accused Prime Minister Najib Razak of "gangsterism" to keep Dr Mahathir quiet after some people at the Sunday meeting threw shoes, chairs and flares at Dr Mahathir, who has made it his mission to unseat Mr Najib over his handling of a multi-billion dollar scandal involving a state fund. Dr Mahathir, 92, was not hurt, his aide said.