On Aug 18, Malaysia deported 11 Chinese nationals of Uighur origin, in accordance with Beijing's request . The Chinese government was adamant that these people had been involved in ‘criminal activities', and compliance by Putrajaya is inevitably perceived as pandering to the emerging power.

The news went largely unnoticed in Malaysia. Only a handful of Malaysians cared to protest , with the majority of the Muslim population basking in the joy of the upcoming festive season.