While many took the opportunity to rest over the long weekend, others used the time to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in Palestine. On Saturday (6th September), hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators marched in Kuala Lumpur to protest against US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the upcoming ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters marching with banners and waving the Palestinian flag. However, an incident at Suria KLCC sparked outrage among netizens. Here’s what happened:
The Malaysian Daily Protest for Palestine posted a video showing a dispute between former Member of Parliament of Batu, Tian Chua and security personnel at the luxury shopping centre. The Secretariat for Solidarity with Palestine (SSP) member was seen struggling as he was escorted out by the guards. According to Malaysiakini, the politician intervened when security guards tried to confiscate items from the protesters, including the Palestinian flag and keffiyeh.
The video has since gone viral, with many accusing the mall of being anti-Palestine and mistreating the politician. One netizen, who was reportedly involved in the demonstration, claimed that the group had not entered the mall to protest but merely to rest and pray before they were unfortunately escorted out. Suria KLCC management quickly issued an official statement to address the situation.
“The incident occurred when a visitor was requested not to bring a long wooden stick (flag pole) into the mall. This action (by security) was in line with our long-standing safety procedures, which prohibit items that could pose a potential risk or disrupt the comfort of our patrons,” the statement reads. The management also clarified that this was a standard security measure that applies to all visitors and reassured that their actions were not based on political stance.
As for Tian Chua, he has yet to comment on Suria KLCC’s statement. However, when speaking to Malaysiakini that day, he claimed that protesters were not permitted to wear the Palestinian keffiyeh inside the mall.
Watch the viral clip below:
Sources: Facebook, Instagram, FMT, NST, Malaysiakini, Bernama
