Cancel invite to Trump, Palestinian supporters tell Anwar as activists vow mammoth gathering

Supporters of Palestine in Malaysia have vowed to hold a large-scale gathering during Donald Trump's visit to Kuala Lumpur next month, amid continued criticism of Putrajaya's invitation to the US president despite his staunch support for Israel's agression in Gaza, as well as the recent use of his veto power at the UN Security Council to block a ceasefire resolution.

Trump, who is also facing opposition in his own country and was the target of protests during his official trip to Britain, is scheduled to visit Malaysia for the 47th Asean Summit next month.

His visit also coincides with discontent by anti-Zionist activists over a recent incident at Suria KLCC where security personnel did not permit a Palestinian flag to be brought into the mall premises.

There is also continued anger over the government's decision to bring in a company owned by BlackRock to manage airports across the country.

The Palestine Solidarity Secretariat (SSP), a local organisation that has been holding demonstrations since the start of Israel's Gaza campaign in October 2023, expressed hope that authorities would not stop the people's right to assemble during Trump's visit, in line with Malaysia's stance on defending the Palestinian people.

SSP spokesman Tian Chua said Trump had become a symbol of Washington's collusion with Israel.

He said the rejection of Trump should not be seen as provocation, but as a show of solidarity that should reach the grassroots level.

"We will continue our efforts against Trump," he told MalaysiaNow, urging Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to have the political courage to publicly explain Malaysia's stance on Palestine.

Anwar previously said he would take the opportunity of Trump's presence at the Asean summit to reiterate Malaysia's stance on Israel's attacks.

"We will use the occasion to urge him to understand Malaysia's clear and firm stance in the pursuit of justice, including for Gaza and Palestine," he said.

It comes as his administration confronts widespread criticism of its response to Trump's demands on the tariff issue.

Putrajaya had claimed success in its negotiations after Washington's announcement of a 19% import tariff on Malaysian goods.

The so-called reduction in tariff came with Malaysia's commitment to major investments, including the purchase of Boeing aircraft, and the elimination of import taxes on most of some 11,000 US products, all of which brings the total amount of Malaysia's commitment past the RM1 trillion mark.

Economists had described the terms as disproportionate to the actual cost incurred due to the 19% tariff rate on Malaysian exports.

'Cancel Trump's invitation'

On Sept 6, Tian Chua was involved in a scuffle with staff of Suria KLCC, as he made way into the popular mall after leading a demonstration in the vicinity.

The mall management later explained that Tian Chua was only barred from bringing in the flag pole, but the claim was panned after a group of youths carrying Palestinian flags were also stopped by security personnel.

Tian Chua said the people expect Anwar to issue a clear statement without hesitation or compromise, especially as Trump's policies clashed with Malaysia's humanitarian values.

He said the best way to send this message would be to cancel Trump's invitation to the Asean summit.

"Our message to the prime minister is for him to take a stand that is truly in line with the government's policies, given Trump's stance which is clearly at odds with Malaysia's values and policies," he said.

"Therefore, we feel that it is inappropriate for him to be invited to attend the Asean summit."

SSP was formed after Israel's bombardment of Gaza in October 2023. It consists of more than 40 NGOs and acts as a pressure group to raise awareness about issues related to Palestine.

It was behind a gathering which saw activists camp outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

"Since then, SSP has been present wherever there is a demonstration," Tian Chua said.

"We will go down to the ground and make sure that the message of solidarity reaches the streets."

The local chapter of Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) meanwhile said that Malaysians rejected the presence of Trump over his support to Israel as well as for being complicit in the oppression of the Palestinian people.

It said Trump's record and policies were enough to justify his rejection in Malaysia, adding that he had openly supported massacres in Gaza, frozen funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, drawn up a plan to annex Palestinian territories, and promoted the so-called Abrahamic Accords to get Arab states to normalise ties with Israel unconditionally.

Describing Trump's presence in the country as unacceptable, BDS Malaysia president Nazari Ismail voiced hope that the government would not stop the planned protest, given Putrajaya's consistent support of Palestine.

"This protest is the democratic right of the people," he said to MalaysiaNow.

"It is peaceful, orderly, and meant to show that we cannot agree with any leader who represents apartheid policies and violence against Palestine."

Israel, which has escalated its attacks on Gaza by tearing down residential buildings and neighbourhoods, is facing growing opposition in the US and Europe, including calls for a boycott in all areas.

A cycling event in Spain was disrupted by protests against the participation of the Israeli team, and a basketball game in Poland saw crowds booing the Israeli national anthem.

Last month, Hollywood film industry figures and artists, including several famous actors, signed a pledge to boycott Israeli film institutions, including festivals, broadcasters and production companies.

Fifa is also under pressure to ban Israeli teams from participating in international matches, just as it banned Russian's national football team following the invasion of Ukraine.

Uefa, Europe's top football body, is expected to vote tomorrow to expel Israel from the matches that it hosts.