Protests in Kuala Lumpur as US President Visits ASEAN Summit
Assalamu alaikum - Hundreds gathered in Kuala Lumpur to voice opposition to the US president’s attendance at the ASEAN summit, citing concern over the conflict in Gaza.
People assembled at Independence Square and later at Ampang Park on Sunday, holding up keffiyehs and chanting slogans calling for freedom for Palestine. Many came from different parts of Malaysia, including Asma Hanim Mahoud, who said she travelled about 300 km from Kelantan to join the demonstrations and another protest in front of the US embassy on Friday.
She told reporters that those with a conscience see the US role as enabling the suffering in Gaza and said it was obvious to her why people were protesting. Some protesters were disappointed when authorities moved the morning rally away from the area near the summit venue.
Police had expected a larger crowd, but those who turned up represented a wide range of Malaysian society. Choo Chon Kai, a leader from the Socialist Party of Malaysia, said he joined to oppose US foreign policy and show solidarity with Palestinians and other communities affected by powerful states’ actions.
In the evening, people reconvened at Ampang Park, the original planned site, to continue their demonstration. Some participants said they felt the police response had been unfriendly and that space for protesting was restricted.
Local resident Mursihidah, who attended with her husband and asked to be identified by one name, said she had joined pro-Palestine actions since 2023 and wished the conflict would end so that Malaysians wouldn’t need to keep protesting. Although a ceasefire was signed earlier this month with international involvement, violence has persisted and both sides accuse each other of breaking the truce.
She said it was painful that the struggle continues and that people in Malaysia felt obligated to speak up for those who have no voice. May Allah protect the innocent and grant peace to the region.
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