Blocked at Ampang Park, anti-Trump protest echoes in Dataran Merdeka

As Kuala Lumpur welcomes heads of government from around the world – including US President Donald Trump – a group of Malaysians took to the streets today to protest against his visit.

About 100 participants gathered at Dataran Merdeka in the heart of the capital this morning to voice their objection to Trump’s presence and to show solidarity with the plight of the Palestinian people.

Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia chairperson Nazari Ismail said the protest, originally planned to take place at Ampang Park, had to move to Dataran Merdeka following restrictions imposed by the authorities.

“Although we are disappointed by the last-minute restriction, we decided to proceed with the protest because it is important for us to deliver our message.

“We were informed at the very last minute that we had to change the location. It was not easy to inform the public about the change.

“So, we had no choice but to relocate to Dataran Merdeka. Although the turnout is smaller than expected, we are confident that our message will still be heard,” he told reporters at the scene.

Ampang Park remained calm under a tight security presence.

Nazari stressed that what matters most is conveying the message to the wider public on the ongoing struggle for Palestinian freedom.

“What’s important is to make it clear that we reject US policies and condemn Trump’s blind support for Israel.

“We must make it clear that Malaysia will not tolerate this, given that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been killed - and we should not think only in terms of economics,” he added.

Trump arrived in Malaysia today to attend the Asean Summit, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur until Oct 28.

The summit brings together Asean leaders, as well as leaders from key dialogue partners, including China, Japan, India, Brazil, and the US.

Word of caution over ‘Trump tactics’

Amanah’s International Bureau chairperson Raja Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad cautioned that Trump’s visit could be aimed at sowing discord within Asean.

“We know that several Asean countries are very close to and heavily dependent on the US, and there are existing tensions with China.

“Asean appears strong economically and in unity, but that is precisely why we must be vigilant.

“We urge our leaders – including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Indonesian president, who represents the world’s largest Muslim population – to be wary of Trump’s tactics to influence Asean,” he said.

The former Kuala Terengganu MP added that what has happened in the Arab world, particularly in Palestine, already provides a clear picture of US involvement.

“They have caused enough destruction in Arab countries, especially in Palestine.

“That is why we must continue to voice our protest openly and firmly against Trump’s presence here.

“Even if his visit is official, the Malaysian people do not agree with it – and we will continue to protest,” Raja Bahrin stressed.

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