US embassy marks independence day amid anti-genocide protest as Loke joins in toast

An event by the US embassy to mark the country's 248th independence day proceeded smoothly on June 10 amid a silent protest outside the hotel in Kuala Lumpur where it was held, where dozens of people held placards condemning Washington's military aid to Israel in its ongoing bombing campaign in Gaza.

Unlike past July 4th celebrations hosted by the embassy, this year's was held under a cloud of strong anti-US sentiments in Malaysia, amid calls to boycott the event as a show of solidarity with Palestinians.

There was a brief commotion when two men in suits dragged a protester out of the hotel as he shouted slogans condemning Washington's military aid to Israel.

A fortnight before the event, none other than former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had urged the Malaysian government to stay out of the celebration.

"I urge the government not to send any ministers this time. We are not cutting diplomatic ties, it's not that harsh. I'm just saying that we want to send a signal, so don't send any ministers," he said on his podcast, Keluar Sekejap.

"Please do not go as a sign of protest against the genocide-enabling US government."

It is understood that there was a marked absence of prominent activists who had attended past independence day celebrations by the embassy, although several civil society representatives did turn up.

They included Karen Wong from the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Association, and Cynthia Gabriel who founded the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism.

The Malaysian government meanwhile was represented by transport minister and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who joined ambassador Edgard D Kagan for the ceremonial toast.

Pictures of the event on social media were met with condemnation and snide remarks against the US government.

On its Instagram page, the US embassy wrote: "Our shared values and faith in diversity, democracy, good governance, and transparency have underpinned our relationship as well the investment, cultural, digital, and trade ties that make the US-Malaysia comprehensive partnership flourish."

This was met with comments referring to Israel's military campaign that has so far killed at least 35,000 civilians, mostly women and children.

"Well, well, celebrating Independence Day with genocide huh?" said one user.

"Is the US actually independent? I thought Israel continues to colonise you," wrote Farihah Fahmy.

Others responded with a variety of hashtags: #removeusembassy, #stopgenocide, #usagenocide, #unitedstatesofisrael, #stopusa, #savetheworld, #freepalestine, #freehumanity, and #usaisworldcriminal

Loke was not spared for attending the event, either.

"Free Palestine. Shame on you @lokesiewfook," said Amirul Rahman Zamri.

However, at least one user defended the minister, saying: "He’s just a scapegoat who was forced by his boss to attend an event hosted by people that nobody likes."

On Facebook, Naim Xibalba wrote: "How do you justify Malaysia's strong ties with the US government, which directly supports Israel's oppressive regime against Palestinians?

"Shouldn't our moral responsibility to human rights take precedence over diplomatic pleasantries?"

The criticism continued on Anwar Ibrahim's social media pages, where the prime minister shared pictures of him welcoming ambassador Kagan to the Prime Minister's Office a day after the event.