KUALA LUMPUR — Hundreds of Malaysians took to the streets on Sunday to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the country, denouncing his administration’s continued support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
The demonstrations unfolded across Kuala Lumpur, from the city’s historic Independence Square to the busy Ampang Park district, where Trump was attending the 47th ASEAN summit. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, donned keffiyehs, and chanted “Free Palestine” under the scorching midday sun, calling Trump a “genocide enabler.”
“People who have a conscience know that Trump is a genocide enabler. Without him, Israel cannot kill all the children and people in Gaza,” said Asma Hanim Mahoud, who travelled more than 300 kilometres from Kelantan to join the rally.
Police estimated that between 1,000 and 1,500 people were expected to participate, though turnout appeared smaller. Authorities had earlier restricted demonstrations near the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where Trump met regional leaders and announced new trade deals alongside a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.
The Socialist Party of Malaysia joined the rally, framing it as part of a broader opposition to American influence in global conflicts. “This is a solidarity rally against U.S. imperialism, as well as with the people of Palestine and all victims of American foreign policy,” said party leader Choo Chon Kai, who criticized police for moving protesters away from the summit venue.
Later in the evening, a smaller crowd gathered again at Ampang Park to continue their protest. “We just want to make a point that we are against U.S. policies,” Choo said. “But the police have been very hostile and even closed the protest site.”
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Among those in attendance was Mursihidah, a Kuala Lumpur resident who has joined nearly every pro-Palestine demonstration since 2023. “This shouldn’t be happening anymore,” she said quietly. “But somebody has to be their voice. We have to be their voice because they don’t have one.”
Trump’s visit — meant to highlight economic cooperation — instead underscored the deep public anger in Southeast Asia over Washington’s unwavering support for Israel amid a war many here view as indefensible.