US Embassy in KL to Close Entrance Tomorrow Due to Demonstration, US Citizens Warned Against Joining Protest

The US Embassy in Malaysia has issued an alert regarding a planned demonstration taking place near the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (16 May), urging its citizens to monitor local media for updates.

Furthermore, the statement announced that the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur would be closing its front entrance until the completion of the demonstration.

The US Embassy Kuala Lumpur to close the front entrance tomorrow due to a planned demonstration

For illustration purposes

However, the US Embassy in Malaysia didn’t specifically mention what the planned demonstration is about and whether it has anything to do with the US.

What was revealed, though, is that the protest would take place in front of the Menara See Hoy Chan building at 374, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, which is near the US Embassy Kuala Lumpur.

The demonstration alert asserted,

“US citizens should monitor local media for updates.  Currently, the US Embassy does not anticipate an interruption to routine services, though traffic near the Embassy will likely be disrupted, and a police presence is expected.”

As a response to the planned demonstration, the US Embassy Kuala Lumpur will be closing its front entrance to all pedestrian traffic starting at 12pm tomorrow until the completion of the protest. 

The US Embassy in Malaysia warns citizens from participating in the demonstration

The US Embassy Malaysia added that while there is no indication that this demonstration will become violent, US citizens are reminded that “The nature of protests can change quickly and with little warning”.

Furthermore, the US Embassy in Malaysia also warned its citizens from participating in the protest or any other demonstrations in Malaysia, as the local laws prohibit non-citizens from participating in demonstrations.

According to Section 4(1)(a) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the right to organise an assembly or participate in an assembly is not extended to a non-citizen in Malaysia.

So, what do you guys think of the US Embassy in Malaysia’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: Ronny Chieng Says Renouncing Malaysian Citizenship to Become a US Citizen Feels Like “Joining an Evil Empire”