Commercial spaces must be more tolerant of public expression, Tian Chua says
“Malaysians, especially commercial entities, need to be more tolerant and calm about public protests as well as NGO activities and learn how to coexist with civil society in a democratic system."
NURSYAHMINA ZAINAL
SHAH ALAM – Former Batu Member of Parliament (MP) Tian Chua has called on commercial organisations to adopt a more open and tolerant approach towards civil society activities.
He made the remarks following an incident at Suria KLCC on Sept 7, after the conclusion of the anti-Trump Palestine march.
“Malaysians, especially commercial entities, need to be more tolerant and calm about public protests as well as NGO activities and learn how to coexist with civil society in a democratic system,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted recently.
Chua said the march ended peacefully at KLCC Park around 7pm, after which participants began dispersing. Some tried to enter the mall, possibly to use facilities, shop, or buy food.
The situation escalated when mall security barred entry to individuals carrying or wearing symbols linked to Palestine.
“I reminded security that they had no legal authority to dictate what the public could wear or carry. I signalled participants to proceed peacefully, but security continued to block entry, resulting in a minor commotion,” he said.
‘Not a protest inside the mall’
Chua stressed that there was no attempt to stage a demonstration within the mall.
“The rally had concluded and participants were dispersing. There was no protest planned inside the mall,” he clarified.
He added that security’s use of force was unnecessary and hoped the incident was the result of overzealous conduct by certain officers rather than an intentional attempt to suppress solidarity with Palestine.
“Responsibility lies with management to rectify the matter and ensure such actions are not repeated,” he said.
Image and policy alignment
Commenting on a viral video of the incident, Chua said the response by some officers reflected poorly on the mall’s image.
“KLCC should be more careful with public relations. It is bad for its image. I don’t think top management was at fault, but certain officers clearly overreacted,” he said.
He further urged Suria KLCC to align its stance with Malaysia’s foreign policy.
“The Malaysian government has consistently and firmly expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people. Commercial entities should not curtail such expressions,” he said.
Calls for apology
Separately, Selangor Pas Youth Chief Mohamed Sukri Omar urged Suria KLCC to issue a public apology to Chua, describing the incident as disgraceful.
He said it was unacceptable for a senior figure expressing solidarity with Palestine to be treated in a rough manner.
Meanwhile, the Suria KLCC management on Sept 7 maintained that its security personnel acted on safety grounds as visitor had been asked not to bring a wooden stick into the premises in line with long-standing safety procedures.
"The incident occurred when a visitor was requested not to bring a long wooden stick into the mall.
"This action (by security) was in accordance with our safety procedures, which prohibit items that could pose a potential risk or disrupt the comfort of our patrons.
"We stress that this is a standard security measure that applies to all visitors and our actions were not based on any political stance," the statement read, adding that the safety and security of the mall's community remain its top priority.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
