DAP urged the Election Commission (EC) to investigate the fracas which resulted in two of the opposition party's members sustaining injuries during the Machap by-election nomination in Malacca yesterday.

In a letter to EC chief Abdul Rashid Rahman today, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng wanted the commission to act against the "shameful acts of violence."

He demanded that the EC investigate MIC Youth chief SA Vigneswaran and the 'MIC brigade' members for being involved in the fracas.

"The Machap by-election will witness a continuation of the tradition of dirty tactics employed by Barisan Nasional (BN) in misusing government machinery and resources.

"Sadly, such politics of deception, fear, money and compulsion have been employed by BN without any restraint from the EC," he said.

Lim also criticised Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for using the Hokkien phrase 'hut ji liap' (deliver a blow) when introducing BN candidate Lai Meng Chong on Monday.

"Unfortunately, such language was not mere rhetoric but acted out in full display after the nomination process" he said.

He argued that the violence contravened Section 4A of the Election Offences Act which is related to promoting feelings of ill-will or hostility.

"Should EC fail to act under Section 4A (of the act) against BN leaders and members for not only attacking DAP members but also a reporter and photographer, then it will only confirm that EC is biased and prejudiced against opposition parties," he said.

Thorough probe

Three police reports were lodged yesterday.

The first report was by the two DAP members who claimed they were assaulted with bricks and a MIC party flag-stick by individuals wearing MIC Youth t-shirts. A suspect was subsequently detained for questioning.

The second report was lodged by Malaysian Nanban journalist R Malini, 30, who complained that vulgar words were hurled at her by an MIC member when she attempted to take photographs after the incident.

The third report was lodged by Makkal Osai photographer P Malayanadi who claimed that the MIC Youth chief had pushed him when he tried to take photographs. Vigneswaran has denied the claim.

In a related development, BN candidate Lai called for a thorough police probe into the fracas.

"The BN does not condone violence. I think it is a personal issue. So I hope the police will investigate this (incident) thoroughly. Personal issues should not be brought to this by-election," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Malacca police chief Ayob Yaakob confirmed the arrest and called on eyewitnesses to come forward to facilitate investigation.

Lai will take on DAP's Liou Chen Kuang in a straight fight in the April 12 by-election.