Malaysia: December 8 Kuala Lumpur human rights rally canceled /update 3

Event

On Friday, December 7, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia announced the postponement of its rally planned for Saturday, December 8, in Kuala Lumpur for "security reasons." The event was scheduled to take place at Padang Timur in Petaling Jaya. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed was due to attend the event. Another high-profile rally opposing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) will continue as planned on Saturday near Dataran Merdeka from 14:00 to 18:00 (local time). Transportation disruptions, including road closures along Jalan Raja, are expected along with large crowds and a heightened security presence. 

Also on Friday, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to defer nonessential travel to Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and Sunday, December 9.

Context

Malaysia rejected the proposed ratification of the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and is one of three countries in Southeast Asia to not sign the agreement. Malaysia practices affirmative action for ethnic Malays for positions in public service, business licenses, schools, and other areas.

Advice

Individuals in Kuala Lumpur are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for suspicious or criminal activity, anticipate large crowds, localized transportation disruptions, and a heightened security presence, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.