KUALA LUMPUR – The police have barred participants of the “Kepung Demi Palestin” rally from setting up any structures, including tents, outside the United States (US) Embassy here yesterday evening.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid said this was to ensure order and security for all parties, particularly in the vicinity of foreign embassies.
“We will not tolerate any incidents that jeopardise public order, especially the security of the high commission and foreign embassies in this area,” he told reporters near the protest site along Jalan Tun Razak, late yesterday evening.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the US Embassy to express their opposition to the Israeli military operations in Palestine.
As of 10.30pm, around 300 participants had congregated, filling the location before collectively marching toward the embassy to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Throughout the evening, the crowd fervently chanted “End Zionism, Free Palestine.”
Former Batu MP Chua Tian Chang, better known as Tian Chua, who attended the gathering, called for Israel and the US to end the violence.
“This assembly represents individuals from diverse backgrounds. Political affiliations become inconsequential in the face of a shared purpose and objective.
“We insist on an immediate halt to this genocide. This is a global issue, transcending religious boundaries,” the former PKR vice president said.
Chua said that the decision to gather at the US embassy for six days until December 31 was due to the support that facilitated Israel’s continued actions in Gaza.
“Why the US (Embassy)? Because it is the primary financial and arms supplier to Israel.
“The US’s exercise of veto power at the UN (United Nations) to block a ceasefire is a violation of universal human rights.
“We demand an immediate ceasefire,” he said.
The rally, which started late yesterday evening, is organised by 48 non-governmental organisations (NGO), including student movements and political organisations.
Allaudeen said that while the police force sympathises with the Palestinians, they have a duty to maintain harmony in the area.
“The police have the responsibility to ensure public harmony and the safety of foreign delegates here.
“We will not allow any incidents that could jeopardise public security, especially the ambassador’s safety in the vicinity. That is our stance.
“It is our responsibility, in terms of both the local and international laws,” he said.
Allaudeen also said that all peaceful gatherings still fall under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
He also called on the protesters to cooperate, so that the police can facilitate the picket with the best measures.
“For now, we will not take such actions (to end the picket), but our main duty is to ensure no structures or tents are set up near the embassy.
“Tents are definitely not allowed to be set up. I advise (the protesters) against setting up any tents, that is our advice,”
“But, we will play it by ear. We will see how the gathering develops on a daily basis (for the next five days), and I urge for the cooperation of those involved,” he said, calling for the protesters to adhere to any instructions by the police.
In response to the police ruling, Chua, who is also Palestine Solidarity Secretariat’s spokesperson, said the tents are symbolic of Palestinians who are living in refugee camps – a condition much worse than the current set-up.
“What crime do we have if we set up tents, we are not violating the law by (doing so).
“We will be here with or without tents. There will be a downpour, and we cannot let them sleep under the rain,” he said.
“This is to remind them (the US) that what they are doing is ten times worse,” he said, acknowledging that the government is also in solidarity.
However, Chua said the police prohibiting the picket would be at their discretion.
“It is up to the police. If they don’t approve, they have to take us down. I don’t think that is consistent with the Malaysian government’s policy.” – December 27, 2023