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MALAYSIA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of world leaders attending the 47th ASEAN Summit, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledging that the nation will provide the highest level of protection throughout the high-profile event.
Speaking at a media briefing on the summit, Anwar said Malaysia welcomed open expression and peaceful dissent but drew a firm line on anything that might endanger visiting dignitaries or disrupt proceedings.
“I am fine with people protesting in Kuala Lumpur against me, but when it comes to the safety of leaders who come to Malaysia, I cannot allow them to sabotage the process. Security is our utmost consideration,” he said.
His comments came amid plans by a coalition of Malaysian civil society and political groups to stage a protest on 26 October near the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where the summit is taking place. The protest is reportedly directed at the attendance of United States President Donald Trump.
The 47th ASEAN Summit, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, concludes Malaysia’s chairmanship of the regional bloc and is expected to gather several prominent world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Anwar confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the meeting, ending speculation about his participation. He will instead be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
“President Putin has confirmed that he will not be attending. He is considering the possibility of coming next year. He will be represented by the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia,” Anwar said.
Myanmar’s Acting President, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, will also be absent from the summit. Anwar reiterated that ASEAN remains firm on its Five-Point Consensus in addressing the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar.
Anwar said Malaysia, as host, carries the responsibility of ensuring both the safety of delegates and the effectiveness of dialogue that could shape future regional cooperation.
Asked whether the United States–China trade discussions could overshadow the summit, Anwar said Malaysia welcomed any progress that would strengthen global economic stability.
“If there is some sort of progress or achievement with China and the United States, I will be happy, and Malaysia should be proud that positive results were made here,” he said.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier confirmed plans to meet China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Malaysia to pave the way for a potential presidential meeting between the two nations.
On Malaysia’s bilateral trade negotiations with the United States, Anwar revealed that talks were nearly complete. “The 0.01% will be resolved during the Cabinet meeting on Friday,” he said, noting that 99.9% of matters had been settled.
On regional maritime issues, Anwar reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to engaging China under the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC), aimed at preventing conflict in disputed territories.
The Prime Minister also hailed Timor-Leste’s upcoming formal accession to ASEAN as one of Malaysia’s key achievements during its chairmanship.
“Timor-Leste should be given a place in the ASEAN fraternity. I am glad that all this is happening while Malaysia holds ASEAN chairmanship,” he said. The country’s official inclusion in the bloc is set for 26 October.
Anwar also praised Japan’s continued humanitarian commitment, particularly in supporting reconstruction efforts in Gaza. He said Malaysia values Japan’s collaboration through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
“I hope to discuss this with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, as the initiative was originally proposed by Prime Minister (Shigeru) Ishiba. We have reached an understanding and are now working together on its implementation,” he said, adding that Japan’s efforts “should be respected and acknowledged”.
Anwar said cross-border online scams would again feature prominently at the summit, with ASEAN leaders expected to reinforce joint action against the growing transnational threat.
“This issue has been discussed in both bilateral and regional meetings, and several assurances have been given. It will be raised again at the summit, as it directly affects the region’s stability, health, economy, and overall wellbeing,” he said.
The 47th ASEAN Summit, held from 26 to 28 October in Kuala Lumpur, will also see Anwar hold bilateral discussions with several world leaders focusing on trade, regional security, and humanitarian collaboration. - October 23, 2025
