It said such conduct cannot be tolerated or accepted as part of a “clean and free” election culture in the country.

“These acts are a form of negative campaigning and extreme provocation. Elections are for parties to contest based on ideas, policies, manifestos and actions to help the people,” it said in a statement.

Last night, a dinner organised by Muda at Dewan Yong Shen in Muar turned ugly when about 30 individuals started throwing water bottles and firecrackers towards the crowd.

Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the situation was brought under control by the police personnel present.

In the aftermath of the incident, a few people, including Sabah Muda chief Amos Thien, suffered some minor burns to their legs after being hit by firecrackers.

Earlier today, Johor police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the authorities were investigating the case under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012 after four reports were lodged after the incident.

Bersih urged all Malaysians who wish to see a positive and healthy election campaign period to strongly condemn and reject acts of violence and hooliganism.

It said such conduct was not only an offence under the Penal Code but also an offence under Section 4A of the Election Offences Act 1954 for encouraging ill intent and hostility. Those convicted may be imprisoned for up to five years or fined a maximum of RM10,000, or both.

This is the second such incident in Muar involving an unruly group of youths attacking a Muda event. On Oct 17, a group of Mat Rempit heckled the participants by shouting and revving their machines disrupting a speech by Syed Saddiq.