KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — Hundreds of Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters led by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu marched to the Swedish Embassy on Jalan Mayang Sari here this afternoon in another show of protest against a recent Quran burning in Stockholm.
Holding up banners and placards in Malay that read “We object and reject Islamophobia”, the group began their 700-metre march from the As-Syakirin mosque near the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) complex after Friday prayers.
Pumping their fists into the air, the demonstrators shouted “Allahuakbar”, or "God is great".
Addressing the demonstrators, Ahmad Faizal said that the movement had no ill intentions towards the Swedish but was frustrated with the incident in the country’s capital.
“We have no quarrel with the Swedish nationals but we are very disappointed with their politician for burning the Quran,” he said as the crowd cheered in agreement.
Stressing that the government is not doing enough, PAS Youth chief and Pasir Mas MP, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari urged the government to have a dialogue with Swedish Ambassador in Malaysia, Joachim Bergström.
“We want the government to rise and talk about the matter with the Swedish ambassador regarding this disgusting act by their politician,” he said.
Despite his request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already called up the Swedish embassy over the matter yesterday.
After the speech, Umno students' wing led by its chief Wan Muhammad Zuhir Ghazali recited a short poem and burned a picture of the Swedish politician.
Cries of “Hidup Islam, bangkit Melayu” (Long live Islam, arise Malays) were also heard as they marched along.
The PAS volunteer squad better known locally as Unit Amal, wearing their signature maroon-coloured uniforms, kept the crowd in line.
This is the second demonstration in front of the Swedish Embassy here today.
The ardline Islamist group Hizbut Tahrir Malaysia had staged a peaceful protest earlier this morning.
