Protests in Malaysia

Members of Malaysia’s Islamic fundamentalist opposition party protested in front of the British High Commission in this Muslim-majority nation over Britain’s decision to grant a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie.

About 25 activists from the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party shouted “Crush Salman Rushdie” and “Damn Britain” as police stood watch during the one-hour peaceful demonstration outside the British diplomatic mission in Kuala Lumpur. The protesters dispersed after the party’s youth leader, Salahuddin Ayub, handed a protest note to a commission official. “We consider this an irresponsible move by the British government,” Salahuddin said.