KUALA LUMPUR: Around 300 people gathered here in a peaceful protest against US President Donald Trump‘s visit to Malaysia for the 47th Asean Summit in October.
The protestors, comprising Malaysians and foreigners, assembled at 5pm opposite a fast food restaurant on Jalan Bukit Bintang before marching to the KLCC Twin Towers while chanting to the beat of several drums.
Carrying placards and images of Trump, they called on the Malaysian government to reject the US president’s visit here.
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Malaysia (BDS Malaysia) chairman Professor Dr Mohd Nazari Ismail, who led the protest, said Trump‘s policies demonstrate blatant disregard for Palestinian lives and had enabled violence against them.
“To host such a figure would be a betrayal of Malaysia’s longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people and a stain on our nation’s diplomatic integrity.
“As such, we call on the Malaysian government to cancel his visit and also disassociate itself from scores of US companies in a show of solidarity to Palestine,” he said.
Former PKR vice president and ex-Batu MP Tian Chua, who was also present at the gathering, said as Trump’s reputation was marred by his support for Israel, there should be no place for him at the Asean Summit.
“Asean’s role is to maintain peace and harmony in the region and his presence goes against this goal,” he said.
He said more protests are being planned if Trump proceeds with his visit to Malaysia.
At about 7pm, the protestors dispersed peacefully without any untoward incident occurring.
The gathering took place under the watchful eyes of several dozen policemen.
