Byline: Qadeem Zieman
ABERDEEN, Scotland — A prominent Malaysian cultural figure was briefly caught in a tense standoff during an anti-racism rally in Scotland on 14 December 2025, after a hostile group moved toward demonstrators before being blocked by police, according to eyewitness accounts and information shared by the artist.
Rozita Rohaizad, 68, a Malaysian singer and actress who holds the country’s cultural honour, the title of Seniwati Negara (National Artist), was participating in the “Aberdeen Welcomes Refugees, Not Racism” rally when tensions escalated between demonstrators and a far-right group.
The rally, organised to oppose racism, Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, was largely peaceful, with participants singing, dancing and chanting messages of solidarity. However, Rozita later said the atmosphere changed when a group she described as fascist sympathisers began shouting aggressively and moving closer to the demonstrators.
In a private message, Rozita explained that the two groups had been separated into distinct sections, with police positioned between them.
“We were separated into two sections — them and us — with police in the middle,” she said. “They then advanced closer to our side. Police blocked them.”
Police intervention prevented the confrontation from escalating, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement shared publicly on Instagram, Rozita said the rally marked the first time she had taken part in a public street protest, adding that she joined in solidarity with humanitarian causes, including support for Gaza and broader calls for peace.
“We were relaxed and peaceful, but they became provoked and tried to attack us,” she wrote, adding that she was grateful the situation was brought under control.
She confirmed that she was unharmed and expressed thanks that no serious incident occurred.
Following the rally, Rozita described her participation as an act of peaceful resistance and artistic expression, sharing images of herself playing a small drum at Castlegate, a public square in Aberdeen.
Widely regarded as a leading figure in Malaysian performing arts, Rozita is the daughter of celebrated actress Seniwati Mariani and the niece of Biduanita Negara, Puan Sri Saloma, one of Malaysia’s most iconic singers.
She was awarded the National Artist title for her role in preserving and promoting Malaysian traditional performing arts internationally.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of public demonstrations across parts of Europe, where anti-racism and pro-refugee rallies have occasionally drawn counter-protests from far-right groups.
Scottish police have not released further details regarding the confrontation.
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