Opposing the 'Great Satan' redeems Malaysia's image, IGP told as support grows for anti-Trump rally

From encouraging illegal Jewish settlements on stolen Palestinian land to recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, condemnations have intensified against US President Donald Trump as Malaysians pushed back against a call by Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail to "project an image of a peaceful nation".

Yesterday, Khalid advised those planning to take part in a protest on Oct 26 against the government's invitation to Trump to the Asean Summit to avoid the KLCC area, where authorities have made conflicting statements about traffic arrangements in the city, including a lockdown that many see as part of security measures for Trump.

"Let us show the world that Malaysia is a peaceful, sovereign and mature nation capable of hosting major international events," said Khalid.

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On social media, a barrage of comments criticised Khalid, saying the area outside the US embassy is the most suitable venue for the protest.

Many also repeated the call for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to rescind the invitation to Trump, whom they called the "Great Satan".

They said those who oppose Trump's presence in Malaysia are the real patriots who redeem Malaysia's image.

"Does inviting the chief killer not damage the country's image?" asked Muhd Tarmizi.

"The nation's image? Would a gathering to reject the leader of the most corrupt country damage the nation's image?" asked Mirza Rafique.

Vocal lawyer Rafique Rashid reminded Khalid that Trump is not above the Federal Constitution and the people's right to assemble.

He said Malaysia as a sovereign nation has always defended the oppressed.

"Malaysia will not support war criminals. Malaysia will not support sponsors of genocide. Malaysia will not agree to UN veto power. That is Malaysia's image.

"Rolling out the red carpet for Trump will damage Malaysia's image. Even in the US, Trump is opposed. While Malaysia wants to bow down to entertain Trump?" he said.

Meanwhile, Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi posted a list of 23 crimes committed by Trump, labelling him the "Great Satan".

These include Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the numerous vetoes used to block UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and his support for the construction of illegal Jewish settlements on stolen Palestinian land.

He said Trump has also normalised Islamophobia, in addition to a host of actions against American Muslims.

"Donald Trump's hands are smeared with the blood of tens of thousands of Muslims," he added.

Despite multiple reminders from authorities, pro-Palestine supporters said they would proceed with their plan to gather near Ampang Park on Oct 26.

"We will make sure that everything proceeds smoothly. Whether there is violence or restrictions on the public depends on how the authorities act on that day," activist Sharifah Haura Uzzahra Syed Abdul Rahman, who represents the Anti-Trump Secretariat which brings together various groups to protest the invitation to the US president, told MalaysiaNow recently.

Several anti-Israel protests prompted heavy-handed actions by police to prevent participants from gathering in front of the US embassy, drawing public outrage and a wave of criticism on social media.