MELAKA: A series of punch-ups broke out at the PKR Youth Congress here today, after party delegates from two factions engaged in a shouting match.
The melee was sparked after a group of at least 50 delegates tried to force their way into the hall where the congress was taking place.
One of the groups was led by former PKR Youth permanent chairman Muhamad Mizan Adli Mohd Nor, who insisted on entering the hall.
However, he was prevented from doing so by another group inside the hall.
As the shouting match ensued, some members yelled that those not wearing baju Melayu were not allowed to enter the hall.
The clash escalated quickly, as several PKR members began pushing and punching each other, while others tried to flee the scene.
Scuffles also took place at three other locations, including outside the Melaka International Trade Centre.
When met later, Mizan said he was shocked over what transpired, as he had expected to chair the congress.
“I am pretty sure that if I were to remove my baju melayu now, (you) would (see) bruises on my hand. I was grabbed violently just now,” he said.
On Nov 27, Mizan, along with his deputy, Mohd Ramly Ahmad, were sacked from their positions for two reasons, according to PKR Youth national secretary Ahmad Syukri Che Ab Razak.
The first reason given was their age, while the second was that they had received more votes compared to the number of delegates present during last year’s PKR Youth National Convention, suggesting a discrepancy.
Previously, Mizan had said that he would continue to chair today’s congress – however, the media was told through a WhatsApp group this morning that two candidates had already been nominated to fill the Youth permanent chairman’s position.