KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's Attorney-General Tommy Thomas was forced to abandon a media conference at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex on Wednesday (July 4) after he was shouted down by supporters of former premier Najib Razak, who had earlier been charged with criminal breach of trust and corruption.

The rowdy crowd began chanting "Bahasa Malaysia" when Mr Thomas began speaking in English instead of the national language.

There were also shouts of "Melayu" and "Hidup Melayu", a cheer championing Malays, the country's dominant race, as well as chants for Najib to be released.

The increasingly agitated crowd drowned out the public prosecutor's voice, and he had to be escorted away for his safety.

According to the Malay Mail Online, local actress Ellie Suriaty Omar, believed to be the instigator of the chants, had her identity card taken by police personnel who were trying to reinstate calm outside the courthouse.

In a later press conference held within the court building, Mr Thomas said he was "surprised" by the pandemonium.

"I was surprised (by the ruckus downstairs). I expected questions from the press," he said.