Hundreds of Malaysians took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur on Sunday to protest against United States President Donald Trump’s visit to the ASEAN Summit, denouncing what they described as Washington’s complicity in Israel’s ongoing war against Gaza.
The demonstrations held at Independence Square and later in Ampang Park drew participants from diverse backgrounds, including political activists, students, and families, all united by their outrage over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Protesters waved Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, and chanted “Free, Free Palestine” under the scorching sun, calling for an end to what they see as Western-backed atrocities in Gaza.
The demonstration was initially planned for Ampang Park, near the ASEAN summit venue, but was relocated by Malaysian authorities, citing “security concerns”. Police anticipated between 1,000 and 1,500 attendees, though the turnout was reportedly smaller. Despite this, organizers said the gathering reflected growing frustration across Malaysia with Washington’s unwavering support for Israel.
Trump, attending the ASEAN summit to announce new trade deals and oversee a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, faced sharp criticism from demonstrators who accused him of prioritizing political optics over humanitarian accountability.
As evening fell, protesters regrouped at Ampang Park, where chants continued against both U.S. interventionism and local restrictions on free expression. Many participants expressed frustration at what they viewed as performative diplomacy, including the ceasefire Trump claimed to broker between Israel and Hamas earlier this month that failed to stop ongoing violence.
Despite the official ceasefire, Gaza continues to endure sporadic air raids and humanitarian collapse, with each side accusing the other of violating the truce.
Trump’s visit, meant to project leadership in Southeast Asia, instead underscored deepening resentment across the Muslim world toward Washington’s perceived double standards championing democracy and human rights while backing Israel’s devastating military campaign.
For many Malaysians, Sunday’s protest was not just against a visiting world leader, but against an international order that continues to enable impunity and silence for Palestinian suffering.
