SPECIAL 47TH ASEAN SUMMIT LAPEL PIN SYMBOLISES HIGHEST SECURITY AND UNITY UNDER MALAYSIA’S CHAIRMANSHIP

By Muhammad Saufee Rosman and Nur Syuhada Yusof

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- No larger than a thumb and neatly fastened to the suit lapels of ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners, the special lapel pin for the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits carries far greater significance than a mere fashion accessory.

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The unique pin serves as a high-level security identification tool, highlighting both the image and identity of dignitaries while symbolising protocol at the summit, which will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from Oct 26 to 28.

Head of the ASEAN Main Logistics Secretariat (SILA) under the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Raja Saifful Ridzuwan Raja Kamaruddin, said the pin’s design reflects the spirit of ASEAN solidarity under Malaysia’s Chairmanship and aims to facilitate smooth movement, particularly for heads of state and government attending the summit.

“This pin functions as a visual identification tool that allows dignitaries to pass through security access points without undergoing screening such as scanners or biometric checks, as they need to move quickly.

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“Although it does not contain an electronic security chip, its design and colour are sufficient for security personnel to identify the wearer’s category from a distance,” he told Bernama.

Raja Saifful Ridzuwan said the pins are divided into three main categories distinguished by colour – gold for heads of state, silver for ministers, and bronze for senior government officials.

“The design is based on the hibiscus motif, representing Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, and features 10 points symbolising the 10 ASEAN member states.

“It also incorporates the official ASEAN colours – blue, red and yellow – with a more traditional design approach compared with the modern style of the 46th ASEAN Summit held in May,” he said.

He added that the pin was designed by a local company under the Subcommittee on Logistics (Registration and Accreditation), and was approved and selected by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Special lapel pins resembling brooches were also designed for the spouses and heads of state and government, in gold, while silver pins were made for the spouses of ministers – both chosen by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Prime Minister’s wife.

Beyond enhancing security, Raja Saifful Ridzuwan said the wearing of the pins also serves as a gesture of respect for the attending leaders and their spouses, while functioning as a souvenir from Malaysia as ASEAN Chair for 2025.

“Wearing the pins of each category gives a sense of appreciation to the recipients, and when they take them home, it will serve as a meaningful memento of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025,” he said.

He added with pride that world leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who are expected to attend the summit, will also don the pins symbolising Malaysia’s leadership of ASEAN this year.

Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, will host the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, bringing together leaders from the 10 ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Japan, and India.

Meanwhile, Raja Saifful Ridzuwan said stringent security controls will be in place at the summit venue, with the use of security passes embedded with electronic chips to ensure that only accredited individuals are allowed into restricted areas.

He said the passes feature hidden logos visible only under ultraviolet (UV) light for authenticity verification in accordance with the standards of the Office of the Chief Government Security Officer (CGSO) of Malaysia, in addition to displaying identity information on LED screens when scanned through biometric systems at main entrances or e-gates.

“To date, more than 16,000 individuals have registered for security passes across various categories, including delegates, media personnel and security officers,” he said, adding that 50 staff members from the Registration and Accreditation Subcommittee were involved in the printing process.

Each category of pass is accompanied by a colour-coded lanyard – blue for delegates, orange for secretariat, red for security personnel, and white for official media – to ensure quick visual identification on site.

“Only those wearing these passes are allowed entry, as security is given the utmost priority to ensure guests are safe, comfortable, and return home with pleasant memories of their time in Malaysia,” he said.

He added that in the event of a lost pass, registered staff and participants must lodge a report at the KLCC mobile police station to prevent misuse and maintain the security of the summit.

-- BERNAMA