Protesters urged to stay outside security radius during Asean Summit

KUALA LUMPUR: Those wishing to protest during the upcoming 47th Asean Summit may do so but must stay outside the “security radius” of designated locations, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Home Minister said 10,400 police and security personnel would be deployed during the summit and have started dry runs for the purpose, including temporary road closures, since Oct 16.

“Although we recognise that there are differing views and active participation among civil society, I want to emphasise that they are free to express themselves and gather.

“However, we urge them to cooperate with the security team, particularly at locations where foreign guests will be present,” he said at a joint press conference in Parliament’s media centre on Wednesday. (Oct 22).

He said the security radius would comprise the Asean Summit venue at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and more than 20 hotels where guests would be staying.

On dealing with risks or threats, Saifuddin said that the focus of security would be given to the heads of state and those with a high-risk profile.

“This will depend on the background of the country and its current geopolitical issues,” he said.

He notes that a total of 23 heads of government would attend the summit and would arrive via Subang Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

“We have identified all the roads where they will be travelling on and closures to be done in stages,” he added.

Among those attending are US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russian representatives.

A coalition of Malaysian civil society and political groups was planning to hold a protest gathering titled “Trump You’re Not Welcome In Malaysia” this Sunday at Ampang Park in Kuala Lumpur.

Several pro-Palestine activists and groups had previously urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to cancel his invitation to Trump because of his staunch support for Israel.

The 47th Asean Summit and associated meetings, scheduled from Oct 26 to 28, mark the culmination of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship in 2025, with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

Approximately 12,000 delegates are anticipated to attend the summit.