Muslims march to demand protection of privileges in capital of multi-ethnic Malaysia

Race and religion are sensitive subjects in Malaysia, which is home to sizeable ethnic Chinese and Indian communities

The rally was originally intended as a protest against the government’s plans, since abandoned, to ratify a UN convention against racial discrimination

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A man shouts at the rally in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: EPA

Published: 5:55pm, 8 Dec 2018Updated: 10:04pm, 8 Dec 2018

Tens of thousands of banner-waving Muslims dressed in white rallied in the Malaysian capital on Saturday demanding protection of their rights, at a time of growing racial tensions in the multi-ethnic country.

The event was billed as a celebration of the refusal by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s government to ratify a UN convention against racial discrimination last month.

Big crowds gathered in downtown Kuala Lumpur, chanting “God is great” and waving banners that read “Long live the Malays”. Large numbers of police were on the streets and major roads were closed.

Tens of thousands took to the streets of the Malaysian capital. Photo: AP

Race and religion are sensitive subjects in Malaysia, which is home to sizeable ethnic Chinese and Indian communities, and the Muslim Malay majority appears to be feeling increasingly insecure under a new government that is more representative of minorities.

I want Islam to be the first (priority) in Malaysia

Arif Hashin, protester

The rally was originally intended as a protest against the government’s ratification plans, which were abandoned after opposition from conservative politicians and Malays, who feared the UN treaty could erode the privileges they have long enjoyed.

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