Saturday, March 29, 2025
“Trump, You Are Not Welcome”: Massive Muslim World Protests Erupt Ahead of ASEAN Summit in Malaysia
As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to attend the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, a wave of protests has erupted across Muslim-majority nations, particularly in Malaysia, where civil groups are organizing large-scale demonstrations against his visit.
According to reports by Malay Mail, over 20 Malaysian civil society organizations have announced a three-hour protest titled “Trump, You Are Not Welcome in Malaysia” to be held on October 26 from 9 AM to 12 PM at Ampang Park, Kuala Lumpur. The demonstration, led by BDS Malaysia, is backed by multiple political and Islamic organizations including MUDA, Pejuang, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM).
The protests come amid growing outrage in the Muslim world over Trump’s policies and statements regarding Palestine and the Middle East. Activists accuse the Trump administration of endorsing Israeli military actions in Gaza, where, according to UN estimates, over 68,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 170,000 injured since October 2023.
International human rights bodies and the UN Commission of Inquiry have described the ongoing campaign as a case of ethnic cleansing and war crimes, but the U.S. continues to support Israel diplomatically and militarily — a position that has triggered widespread condemnation.
In preparation for the protests, organizers have distributed a legal rights toolkit for participants. The guide outlines what to do if questioned, detained, or arrested by police, emphasizing the right to remain silent and to seek legal counsel before signing any police statements. It also urges demonstrators to stay calm and non-violent, and to contact a designated legal helpline immediately in case of detention.
Trump’s Malaysia visit is part of his broader agenda to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit (October 26–28), where he is also expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders have not met since February 2025, when Modi visited Washington for bilateral talks. Their potential meeting now comes against a backdrop of trade tensions and diplomatic strain caused by heavy U.S. tariffs on Indian exports.
However, for Malaysia and much of the Muslim world, Trump’s presence symbolizes what they see as American double standards — backing Israel while urging peace elsewhere. As one protest leader stated, “We are standing for humanity. Trump’s policies have fueled suffering in Gaza, and we cannot remain silent.”
With protests expected to draw thousands of participants, security around Kuala Lumpur’s summit venue has been significantly tightened. Malaysian authorities have said demonstrations will be permitted as long as they remain peaceful.
(With inputs from Malay Mail and international agencies)
