A.S.E.A.N. summit to have tight security

Press, 2 August 1977, Page 24

A.S.E.A.N. summit to have tight security

NZPA Kuala Lumpur The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) will stay in for-tress-like surroundings during his period this week tn the Malaysian capital for summit level talks with Asian political leaders. More than 1000 policemen. most of them in plain clothes, have been deployed in and around the hotel at which he and other leaders will stay. A further 2000 armed security forces are engaged in anti-subversive work round the capital aimed at ensuring that terrorist groups such as the Japanese Red Army, the Moluccan Independence Group, and the Moro Liberation Front of the Philippines do not disrupt the high-level discussions. "We are not giving them any chance.” a Malaysian police spokesman said. Some "bad hats and undersirable elements” had been rounded up, he said The security measures also involve heightened

protection for New Zealand and Australian diplomats. Extra security guards have been stationed at the High Commissions of the two countries as well as at residences of the High Commissioners of the respective countries. The security precautions at the hotel where the summit discussions will take place are not markedly obtrusive in spite of the extent of the protection established. Metal sere -rung and baggage X-ray equipment are installed in the foyer but apart from these visible trappings of the security work the casual vistor sees little. But at a police centre in the hotel, six closed-cir-cuit television sets monitor key corridors and the building’s basement holds a mobile security force ready for instant action. The security' arrangments do not stop at the hotel and city area. Kuala Lumpur’s airport will be closed to air traffic movers e n t s when the

A.S.E.A.N. heads of Government and the Japanese, New Zealand, and Australian Prime Ministers arrive. When Mr Muldoon arrives on August 6 it will be shut down for an hour while his plane touches down and dignitaries go through ceremonies of welcome. The Malaysian Government has acquired a fleet of seven new luxury German-model cars which will be put at the disposal of Mr Muldoon and the other leaders. It is evident the Malaysians are determined to make this summit conference marking the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the five-nation A.S.E.A.N. grouping a memorable one. The leaders of Singapore. the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia will join the Malyasian Prime Minister on August 3 to begin their A.S.E.A.N. talks. They will be joined on August 6 by Mr Muldoon and the Australian and Japanese Prime Ministers.