Kuala Lumpur, 6 September 2025 — Around 300 Malaysians and foreign residents took to the streets on Saturday afternoon in a peaceful protest, urging the government to cancel U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned appearance at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.
Gathering at approximately 5 p.m. outside a fast food outlet along Jalan Bukit Bintang, demonstrators—led by Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia—marched towards the iconic KLCC Twin Towers. Their chants and drumbeats punctuated the air, while placards featuring Trump’s image demanded firm solidarity with Palestine. The assembly remained calm and orderly under the watchful eye of a police presence, and dispersed peacefully by around 7 p.m. with no disturbances reported.
At the rally, BDS Malaysia chairman Professor Dr Mohd Nazari Ismail spoke passionately, emphasising that hosting President Trump would betray Malaysia’s enduring support for Palestinian rights.
“Trump’s policies blatantly disregard Palestinian lives and enable violence against them,” he declared. He urged the government not only to cancel the visit but also to cut ties with U.S. companies as a symbolic act of solidarity.
Former PKR vice-president and ex-Batu MP Tian Chua echoed the sentiment, calling Trump’s pro-Israel stance “incompatible” with ASEAN’s peace-oriented mission. He warned that if the visit proceeds, further protests may follow.
The demonstration showcased Malaysia’s capacity for peaceful civic expression, drawing attention to public concerns about balancing national diplomatic priorities with values of justice and regional harmony.
