Its youth chief, Helmy Abdul Latif, tweeted that he “strongly rejects” any form of provocation in politics.

“Whether paid or not, this is an unhealthy culture in our country’s politics. If we want to fight, we will do it with the right ideology,” he said.

“Many have asked me whether it is true that Muar Umno Youth were involved. I dare take an oath to state that there were no orders from me as the head of Muar Umno Youth to carry out such things.

“I’m strongly against it. We have no time for things like these.”

His response followed allegations by Syed Saddiq’s aide, Farhan Iqbal, that Umno was behind the incident.

The event was running smoothly when several speakers, including Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong, took turns to address the crowd.

However, a commotion began when Syed Saddiq, the last speaker, was halfway into his speech.

Some young people gathered outside the ceramah tent and repeatedly shouted “penipu” (liar) at Syed Saddiq, who is a former youth and sport minister.

In response, the crowd listening to him shouted back at the hecklers, asking them to “balik”.

Syed Saddiq continued his speech, with auxiliary police called in to monitor the ceramah.