PUSH LEFT, PLAY RIGHT (Article 130)

Commentary:  Tiles are picked by players in counter-clockwise (to the right) order, except the walls, which are pushed out in clockwise (to the left) order.  This playing sequence originated in Asia, where all players take turns in a counter-clockwise order, and seat-to-Wind assignments are given to seat positions. Most Westerners reference the East player and think more about player numbers than seat-to-Wind assignments. To Westerners, the seat-to-Wind assignments can be confusing and seem backward. You can use this mnemonic to remember the ESWN order, “Eat Soup With Nuts.” 

Answer from the NMJL:   “Picking from the Walls goes to the left.  PLAY TO THE RIGHT, PICK FROM THE LEFT. ”  

Source: Mah Jongg Made Easy (2020 page 11 para. 1; omitted from the 2024 edition)

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Other answer from the NMJL:  

“Everything in mah jongg goes to the right except the wall.”

Source for other answer:  National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (2013) https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org