Protesters pitch tents near US Embassy against police advice

 

Protesters of a six-day “blockade” in solidarity with Palestine, which was organised by Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin, have pitched tents about 200m away from the US Embassy despite police advising against it.

Former Batu MP Tian Chua, who is also a senior member of the secretariat, said the demonstrators will continue to gather as close as possible to the embassy.

“We know that the government has a sympathetic stand in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.

“So, we hope that the police also respect the decision of the government consistent with the policy and allow us to continue our picket,” he said when met by reporters near The Icon tower in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

His comments came after the police had earlier advised protesters against setting up tents or structures near the vicinity of the US Embassy.

Former Batu MP Tian Chua

At the time of publishing, protesters have set up five tents on the curb of Jalan Tun Razak, under a pedestrian bridge opposite The Icon tower.

Earlier, over 100 demonstrators started their march from the Menara TH Tun Razak but were stopped by the police approximately 200m from the embassy.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Allaudeen Abdul Majid said the police did not receive any notice from the organisers that a “blockade” would be held in front of the embassy.

While the police are sympathetic towards the plight of the Palestinians, Allaudeen stressed that the police’s responsibility is to safeguard public safety, including the embassies and foreign representatives in the country.

“We will not allow any incidents to jeopardise public order, especially the safety of the high commissions and foreign embassies in this area. That is our stance.

“Our primary responsibility is to ensure that there are no structures, tents, and so on,” he told reporters when met near the embassy tonight.

Taking the risk

Meanwhile, Muda secretary-general Amir Hariri Abd Hadi, who is also part of the secretariat, asserted that the protesters will try their best to stay throughout the six-day picket.

“We are willing to take the risk even if the police take actions towards protesters.

“We are here peacefully and will stay peaceful throughout the entire programme. If the police decide to take action against us, it’s up to them.

“But we will condemn them if they do,” Amir said.

The protesters are expected to hold solidarity events each night and erect flags and symbols of the Palestinian struggle.

A mega rally will also be held on Dec 31 as the grand finale.

The picket, the secretariat said, is in response to the US vetoing efforts by the UN to push for a ceasefire in Gaza amid a continued assault by Israel.

The collective group consists of 35 CSOs, 15 student groups and 13 political parties.

Among them include the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim), Sisters in Islam (SIS), Bersih, the Malaysian Punjabi Youth Movement, the various university wings of political parties, Muda, PSM, Pejuang, and the youth wings of PAS, PKR, Amanah, Bersatu, DAP, MCA and Umno (Puteri Umno).