Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution pointed out that the police have made preparations for next week’s ASEAN Summit, and urged the public to cooperate with the police by avoiding gatherings at key locations where state guests will be present.
He stated that civil society activists with differing opinions are allowed to express their desire to assemble, but they should cooperate with the police and avoid key locations where state guests will be present, such as the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and hotels.
“If there are different views among us, among activists, I want to stress that they may express their intention to assemble. However, please cooperate with the security team and avoid assembling at the main venues where state guests will appear, including the conference center and hotels. Apart from these, gatherings are allowed. It’s best not to hold any activities or gatherings within secured areas that we have planned.”
Saifuddin said this during a press conference at the Parliament media room today, when asked about the security preparation measures for next week's ASEAN Summit.
He pointed out that 14,000 police personnel have been deployed for the ASEAN Summit to receive 23 heads of government.
He said police have planned the protocol routes and conducted multiple “rehearsals,” which include some heads of government arriving via Subang Air Force Base and others via Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
He stated that these heads of government will be staying at more than 20 hotels across the country, and the police have carried out security operations at these locations and along the routes.
He also emphasized that during the summit, major roads will be closed in phases, rather than being completely shut down.