KUALA LUMPUR: Protesters at the “Himpunan Bantah Trump” rally voiced opposition to United States President Donald Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur for the Asean Summit, criticising his administration’s Middle East policies and support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) leader S. Arutchelvan questioned Trump’s presence at the regional summit, calling it an attempt to take undue credit for peace efforts in Southeast Asia.
“Trump has not resolved any of the issues in the Middle East, and the conflict in Gaza continues. He is here to sign agreements he was not involved in, and leaders should be more discerning in extending recognition,” Arutchelvan told theSun during the rally at Padang Merdeka today.
Around 200 participants took part in the protest, holding Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for ongoing violence in the region.
Arutchelvan also alleged that Trump’s attendance at the Asean Summit was meant to project a role in the Thailand–Cambodia peace accord, despite the United States’ limited involvement in the process.
“America often claims to promote peace, yet its actions in global conflicts suggest otherwise. The Palestinian cause remains an international concern that requires genuine global solidarity,” he said.
Palestine Solidarity Secretariat chairman Tian Chua likewise criticised Trump’s foreign policy approach, saying it undermines international law and enables Israel’s continued offensive in Gaza.
“Trump has repeatedly vetoed UN resolutions related to the conflict and restricted international institutions such as the International Criminal Court,” said the former Batu MP.
He said the rally was a peaceful expression of Malaysia’s concern over US policies and a show of support for the Palestinian people.
“Our goal was to make it known that Malaysians oppose policies that perpetuate conflict and suffering in Palestine. We hope Americans too will push for peace and justice,” he added.
Tian cautioned that the US stance on Israel could affect its ties with Southeast Asian countries.
“What the United States does in the Middle East has global repercussions, including here in Asean. Malaysia seeks balanced relations with all nations, but these actions have caused concern among Malaysians,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment over the restrictions placed on the protest, saying organisers had been in contact with police beforehand to ensure a lawful and coordinated assembly.
“Our aim was not to oppose the Asean Summit or the Malaysian government, but to express solidarity with Palestine,” he said.
Earlier today, Thailand and Cambodia signed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, formally ending years of tension along their shared border.
The agreement, witnessed by Trump and Asean chair and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was described as a significant step forward in regional diplomacy.
