Don T Smear Coal On Your Face Academic Cautions Against Trump Protest

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Academic Tajuddin Rasdi has warned that staging a protest against United States President Donald Trump during his visit to Kuala Lumpur for the Asean Summit next month would be akin to the Malay proverb, “jangan conteng arang ke muka sendiri (don’t smear your face with charcoal).”
He said such a move would also affect other member states of the regional bloc, potentially straining diplomatic, trade, and economic relations among the 10 countries.
Tajuddin (above) stressed that if PAS aspires to present itself as a government-in-waiting, the Islamist party must demonstrate “political maturity instead of simplistic religious sentiments.”
“Yes, there are many who disagree with Trump's position on many issues, including myself, but we need to be not only Malaysian but also Asean citizens to show the American people that we stand by our decorum, adab and dignity as independent and civilised nations in Malaysia and Asean.
“The Malays have a saying ‘jangan conteng arang ke muka sendiri’ (don’t smear your face with charcoal),” he added in a statement to Malaysiakini.
He cautioned that such a demonstration would undermine PAS’ effort to position itself as a credible alternative to the unity government.
Earlier today, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan announced that the party is planning a protest to oppose Trump’s attendance at the 47th Asean Summit, which Malaysia will chair.
He said the protest is meant to highlight opposition to the oppression in Gaza carried out by Israel and supported by the US.
“That’s our plan. This is not about PAS but how Malaysians who love peace are opposed to his (Trump’s) presence,” he told Malaysiakini.
Previously, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad also called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to rescind the invitation to Trump for “openly supporting and enabling the crimes against humanity inflicted by Israel upon the Palestinian people”.
Following this, Anwar said Malaysia would use the regional gathering to continue voicing concerns over the Palestinian people, including the situation in Gaza. - Mkini

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