KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters filled the streets of Malaysia’s capital on Sunday to denounce United States President Donald Trump’s visit for the 47th ASEAN Summit, expressing anger over Washington’s continued support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
Demonstrators gathered at multiple locations, including Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka) and Ampang Park, chanting “Free, Free Palestine” and waving Palestinian flags as they demanded an end to what they called “US-backed atrocities” in Gaza.
Demonstrations Across Kuala Lumpur
The protests began early Sunday morning under the blazing Malaysian sun, as participants — many wearing traditional Palestinian keffiyehs — rallied peacefully despite heavy police presence and restrictions on movement near the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where the ASEAN summit was being held.
Police estimated between 1,000 and 1,500 people were expected to attend the demonstrations, though turnout appeared smaller. Nevertheless, organizers hailed the event as a symbolic show of solidarity with Palestinians and defiance of US foreign policy.
“People who have a conscience know that Trump is a genocide enabler,” said Asma Hanim Mahoud, who travelled more than 300 kilometres from Kelantan to join the protest.
“Without him, Israel cannot kill all the children and people in Gaza. It’s not rocket science.”
Mahoud also criticized Malaysian authorities for moving the demonstration site away from the summit venue. “They are trying to silence us. We want Trump and his allies to hear the people’s voice,” she said.
Trump’s ASEAN Visit Overshadowed by Anger Over Gaza
President Trump arrived in Kuala Lumpur to attend the ASEAN Summit, where he oversaw the signing of a Thailand–Cambodia ceasefire deal and announced several trade agreements. However, his visit was met with widespread backlash due to Washington’s unwavering support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict.
Despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas earlier this month — also mediated by Trump — violence has continued, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.
For many Malaysians, Trump’s appearance at the summit symbolized hypocrisy in global diplomacy.
“This is a solidarity rally against US imperialism,” said Choo Chon Kai, a leader of Malaysia’s Socialist Party (PSM).
“We stand with Palestine and with all people worldwide who are victims of American aggression and double standards.”
Police Restrictions and Protest Relocation
Authorities earlier this week restricted access to areas near the summit venue, citing security concerns. Protesters expressed disappointment that gatherings were moved from Ampang Park, near the Convention Centre, to Independence Square.
“We just want to make a point that we are against US policies,” Choo added. “Unfortunately, police have been very hostile to protests and even shut down areas where we were going to rally.”
Later in the evening, demonstrators regrouped at Ampang Park, the original protest site, to continue their vigil against Trump’s presence.
‘We Have to Be Their Voice’
Among the participants was Mursihidah, a Kuala Lumpur resident who has been active in pro-Palestine movements since 2023. She said she and her husband continue to protest because “the suffering in Gaza has not ended.”
“I honestly don’t know why we’re still doing this,” she said. “This shouldn’t be happening, but somebody has to be their voice. We have to be their voice because they don’t have one.”
Her words echoed the sentiment of many Malaysians who have long viewed the Palestinian cause as deeply personal and tied to broader Muslim solidarity.
Malaysia’s Longstanding Support for Palestine
Malaysia has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions and an outspoken supporter of Palestinian statehood. The country has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel and consistently backs resolutions in the United Nations condemning Israeli aggression.
The latest protests add to a wave of global outrage against Israel’s war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and displaced millions since 2023.
Malaysian civil society groups, religious organizations, and student movements have called on ASEAN leaders to take a stronger stance against US and Israeli actions, arguing that “neutrality” is no longer acceptable in the face of what they describe as “genocide.”
A Divided ASEAN Summit
While Trump’s presence brought diplomatic attention to the summit, it also deepened divisions within ASEAN over the bloc’s position on Middle East conflicts.
Some leaders praised Trump’s role in mediating ceasefires across Asia, including the Thailand–Cambodia truce, while others criticized his foreign policy as destabilizing and one-sided.
Analysts say the protests in Malaysia reflect broader regional frustration with Washington’s perceived double standards — promoting peace in Southeast Asia while fueling war in the Middle East through arms sales and political backing.
Outlook: A Protest Symbolizing Global Discontent
As night fell on Kuala Lumpur, protesters continued to wave Palestinian flags and chant against US foreign policy, undeterred by police presence.
For them, Trump’s visit has reignited international attention on Gaza’s ongoing suffering — and Malaysia’s role as one of the most vocal advocates for Palestine in Southeast Asia.
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