Camped beneath the pedestrian bridge crossing Jalan Tun Razak between The Icon and Menara Tan & Tan, those that determined to keep the evening fired up a range to brew cups of “kopi O” which they hoped would preserve them alert of any authorities planning to chase them away.
Several steps away, the spokesman for the coalition known as Sekretariat Solidarity Palestin and longtime activist Chua Tian Chang — additionally known as Tian Chua — might be seen negotiating their “occupation” with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers.
Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin spokesman Tian Chua hopes to negotiate for the picketers to not be disturbed by authorities. — Picture by Hari Anggara.
“DBKL instructed us that we are able to keep put however we can not arrange tents. The argument is that we’re disturbing the public. But we’ll keep put no matter it’s,” Chua instructed eNews Malaysia.
The former PKR vice-president was additionally trying to get some leeway from his celebration mate, newly-appointed Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustaffa.
“DBKL instructed us we’ve got half-hour to take down the tents, however we try to get in contact with the Federal Territory minister’s employees to get permission,” he mentioned.
Earlier, Chua had mentioned that individuals would most likely whereas the evening away in energetic conversations whereas hoping the police would preserve their distance.
Police personnel guarding the US Embassy compound in entrance of an Israeli flag unfold by protestors on the floor at Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, December 26, 2023. — Picture by Hari Anggara.
This got here after a crowd of almost 200 gathered at the Lembaga Tabung Haji headquarters at 10pm final evening earlier than marching in the direction of the embassy together with Palestinian flags and placards condemning Israel’s retaliation towards Hamas in Gaza.
Planned till New Year’s Eve, the occasion is demanding 4 issues: The finish to the arbitrary killings of Palestinians; an instantaneous, everlasting and unconditional truce; addressing the quick wants of civilians in Gaza for each support and safety; and the recognition of the proper of the Palestinian folks to a sovereign state.
Protesters arrange a tent close to the US Embassy compound throughout the Kepung Demi Palestin occasion at Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, December 26, 2023. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
Speaking to the press earlier, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid pointed to the want to guarantee the security of the many excessive commissions and embassies located close by.
Gandipan Nantha Gopalan, 27, a coordinator from the Petaling Jaya chapter of the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM), mentioned he was shocked by the police order.
In October, the authorities had backed a Palestine solidarity rally held in Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim additionally making an look.
Gandipan mentioned PSM members will rotate in shifts to keep for the first evening.
“Few of us produce other celebration obligations, we’ll rotate, we’ll determine who will keep for tonight and the evening after,” he mentioned.
Members of the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) arrange a tent close to the US Embassy compound throughout the Kepung Demi Palestin occasion at Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, December 26, 2023. — Picture by Hari Anggara
“We are simply establishing tents. Nothing mistaken with that. We strive to adjust to their directions. As lengthy as they do not disturb us, we’ll simply act like regular,” he mentioned.
Harith mentioned he would keep for just a few hours right here to have conversations with others from totally different organisations.
“If there’s nothing a lot later, I’ll go dwelling and are available again tomorrow evening,” he mentioned.
