US Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan, stated that the numerous petition activities held outside the US Embassy in recent years demonstrate the Malaysian public’s emphasis on and practice of freedom of speech, which is consistent with the values upheld by the United States.
“These petition activities reflect the public’s desire for freedom of expression. We believe this is a positive sign and aligns with the principles that the United States has always adhered to.”
In recent years, several peaceful petitions have been held outside the US Embassy in Malaysia, including events supporting Palestine, opposing US support of Israeli policy, protesting former President Trump’s visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, and opposing the appointment of political commentator Nick Adams—accused of being pro-Israel—as Ambassador to Malaysia.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, Kagan emphasized that the United States has always supported the right of people to peacefully express their opinions, even when the Malaysian authorities in certain past administrations took a more conservative attitude toward street protests.
“Even when the government at that time did not encourage peaceful petition activities, we maintained this stance (supporting freedom of speech).”
Kagan also noted that some political figures opposed protests while in power but now support protest actions, calling this change rather ironic!
“Interestingly, some people who believed demonstrations were not a good thing while in government are now actively supporting freedom of expression. We see this as a shared recognition of the value of free speech.”
“As the US Ambassador, I just want to say—your apology is accepted!”
However, Kagan did not name anyone. But the public widely believes his remarks were aimed at former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir.
Mahathir was once firmly opposed to street petitions but in 2016 called on the public to demand Prime Minister Najib Razak’s resignation and personally attended the “Down with Anwar” rally in July this year.