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Kuala Lumpur – Former US President Donald Trump’s visit to Malaysia was met with protests over the war in Gaza today, as the sweltering tropical heat was matched by the political fire of demonstrators. What was intended as a private business trip for the tycoon and presidential hopeful quickly became a public focal point for anger over the ongoing conflict, highlighting its deep resonance in Malaysia and across the Muslim world.
A Fiery Welcome at the US Embassy
From early morning, a sea of banners and Palestinian flags flooded the streets near the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, a symbolic centre for the demonstration. Chants of “Free Palestine,” “Trump Persona Non Grata,” and “End the Genocide” echoed through the city’s diplomatic enclave.
The coalition of NGOs, student bodies, and civil society groups that organised the rally made their target clear. To them, Donald Trump is not just a former president; he is a symbol of an American foreign policy they hold responsible for enabling Israel’s military actions.
Why Target Trump? Past Policies and Future Fears
For the demonstrators, protesting a leader currently out of office is about both his past actions and his potential future. During his presidency, Trump was one of Israel’s staunchest allies. His administration’s key decisions have not been forgotten:
* Moving the US embassy to Jerusalem: A controversial move that angered many in the Muslim world.
* Brokering the Abraham Accords: Agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, which critics say sidelined the Palestinian quest for statehood.
“His policies emboldened the extremist elements in Israel,” said Azlan Shariff, a spokesperson for one of the organising groups. “His return to power would be a catastrophe for Palestine. We are here to tell him, and the world, that Malaysia stands with the oppressed, not the oppressor.”
Malaysia’s Strong Pro-Palestinian Stance
This sentiment finds fertile ground in Malaysia. As a Muslim-majority nation, pro-Palestinian solidarity runs deep in its societal and political fabric. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been one of the most vocal world leaders in condemning Israel’s offensive in Gaza. This official government stance has, in turn, empowered the public’s desire to voice its outrage.
The protest demonstrates a powerful global trend: a political figure from America, visiting a Southeast Asian nation for business, finds himself at the centre of a protest about a war in the Middle East. It proves that in our interconnected world, no high-profile leader can escape the shadow of their foreign policy decisions.
As Donald Trump continues his tour, the message from the streets of Kuala Lumpur is clear. The war in Gaza is not a distant conflict; it is a global grievance that has redrawn lines of solidarity and protest.
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