The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has urged the organisation of the rally to protest the presence of United States (US) President Donald Trump at the 47th ASEAN Summit to be cancelled to protect the country’s image and for the safety of international delegations.
According to a report by Sinar Harian, Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, shared that the ASEAN Summit period is not the right time for gatherings as all priorities are focused on security aspects and national protocol.
IGP urged for the anti-Trump protest to be cancelled or moved elsewhere
“The police advise that the gathering not proceed because the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) area is classified as a security control zone and is the main focus of foreign delegations,”
“Such an event is not appropriate when Malaysia is the host, because it can affect the country’s image and disrupt the smooth running of the meeting,” he said.
Do it somewhere else?
Mohd Khalid Ismail further shared that his department has held an engagement session with several NGOs that have expressed their intention to gather and protest. Should they ultimately decide to proceed with their protest, he believes it should be held elsewhere.
“PDRM advises that it not be held in the KLCC area. If they still wish to gather, we suggest that the location be moved to a more suitable area such as Padang Merbok,” he explained, adding that large gatherings around the KLCC area could affect security controls, disrupt convoy movements and protocols.
“We are not preventing the right to gather, but are asking for the cooperation of all parties not to hold any gathering during the ASEAN Summit,” he urged.
He also stressed that the police respect the right to gather as mentioned in the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, but it must be carried out in an orderly manner without compromising public safety.
“We will not compromise with any parties that organise gatherings in prohibited areas. PDRM also advises the public not to fall prey to provocations or invitations to participate in any gatherings without permission,” he added.
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