In the wake of the announcement, a group of about 200 Mukhriz supporters held an impromtu rally at about 11.30pm to protest against the surprise election results.

"Khairy, rasuah (corruption)," they shouted, venting their frustration.

They were later joined by about 200 Khairy supporters and both sides began taunting each other.

As the crowd grew unruly, police were called in to form a human barrier to keep the two groups apart.

However at 12.20am, both groups were eventually dispersed by the police and the situation returned to normal.