KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — Groups of people converged at Dataran Merdeka here from 9am today as Malaysia prepared to welcome world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, for the 47th Asean Summit.
Some came alone, some with families, including young children, to show their disapproval of Trump, mostly for his association with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Free, Free Palestine” they chanted, holding up placards and banners condemning Trump and Israel while also dressed in the keffiyeh to show their support of Palestine.
Among politicians spotted in the throng were Datuk Zuraida Kamarudin and Chua Tian Chang, once senior members of PKR.
Datuk Nizam Mahshar from Pejuang was also seen at Dataran Merdeka with his wife and child.
“We actually planned to take the MRT from Putrajaya but because of the delays there, I decided to drive to Bangsar and take the LRT instead.
“While on the LRT, a friend told us that the KLCC and Ampang Park stations have been temporarily closed and luckily we managed to get off at Masjid Jamek, and arrived here just in time for the protest,” he told Malay Mail.
One rally participant who gave his age as 38 and wanted to be known only as Iqmal from Gombak said his hope is that the demonstration would open Trumps’ eyes to the global solidarity with Palestine.
Accompanied by his wife and children, Iqmal said he hopes the US would stop collaborating with Israel in the war against Palestine.
However, an ice cream seller who was selling the cool treats on the sunny day from his motorcycle parked near the historic square expressed doubt on the rally’s success.
Giving his name only as Syawal, he told Malay Mail that holding protests during a pivotal moment for the country such as the Asean Summit, and at a popular tourist attraction was inappropriate.
“I am not against the plight of Palestinians and I’m not against people supporting the Palestinian cause; please by all means, voice it out.
“But sometimes these people might have other political agendas and that is something that does not sit well with me personally.
“Plus we are hosting all these world leaders, it’s important for us to present a good image of our country,” Syawal said.
Several police officers, including members from the anti-riot squad, kept watch on the crowd.
Several police trucks were also parked nearby.
Political speeches were made with chants of ‘Trump is a hypocrite, Trump is a liar” rang out but the Dataran Merdeka rally was peaceful overall.
The crowd started dispersing around noon.
A second demonstration is planned to be held later this afternoon at Ampang Park.
City police have warned rallygoers not to converge at Ampang Park as the area is listed as a “red zone” due to being near the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the venue for the Asean Summit.
Public transport provider Rapid KL has also announced the temporary closure of several key LRT and MRT stations including KLCC, Conlay and Ampang Park from 7am until midnight.
