Former PKR MP Tian Chua today disputed a mall’s explanation of a scuffle that took place within its premises, saying the security officers at Suria KLCC had insisted that symbols associated with Palestine were prohibited inside the mall.
In a statement demanding an apology from the mall management, Tian Chua also said there was no attempt to stage any demonstration inside the mall, and that participants of an earlier anti-Donald Trump gathering had entered the complex after dispersing.
He said he had no intention of entering the mall until he was told that some participants had been barred as they were wearing badges and keffiyehs and carrying flags and placards.
Tian Chua, who is part of a pro-Palestine group, said he told security officers that they had no legal authority to dictate what members of the public could wear.
“Denying entry simply on the basis of attire or symbols constitutes arbitrary and discriminatory behaviour. This is unacceptable,” he said.
He said he then signalled the participants to proceed peacefully, only for security to block their entry, resulting in a minor commotion.
He claimed that a security officer had also ordered his colleagues to confiscate a Palestinian flag from a woman heading to the toilet.
He said he then took the flag, declaring that he would take it outside himself, only to be surrounded by several men who attempted to forcibly seize it.
Tian Chua said that despite proposing the separation of the flag from the pole to de-escalate the situation, the security officers tried to seize it by force again, “even resorting to pushing”, which he claimed was tantamount to the unlawful seizure of property.
Suria KLCC defended its security team yesterday after a video went viral, showing a scuffle with a visitor carrying a flagpole into the mall.
In a statement, the management said the visitor was asked not to bring a “long wooden stick” into the premises, in line with longstanding safety procedures.
It said this rule applied to all and was not based on political stance.
Tian Chua urged the management of Suria KLCC to conduct a thorough and transparent probe into the incident which he described as “deeply troubling”, and to review and revise its security protocols.
He also demanded a formal apology to the affected participants and members of the public.
“It is my sincere hope that this incident was the result of overzealous conduct by certain officers rather than an attempt to suppress solidarity with the Palestinians,” he said.
