[UPDATED] Obama's second visit to Malaysia: Here's what you need to know
Astro Awani
November 22, 2015 18:18 MYT
November 22, 2015 18:18 MYT
Malaysia tightened security following terrorist attacks in France, Egypt and Lebanon, Khalid said.
US president Barack Obama who arrived Friday for his second visit to Malaysia, in which he is expected to raise important issues on bilateral cooperation, the status of the Opposition, respect for human rights, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).
Astro AWANI will be updating this Live Blog throughout Obama's visit, so do keep reading.
Obama is joining leaders of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a weekend summit.
Leaders from eight other countries with close partnerships with the grouping - Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States - will also attend the meetings starting on Saturday.
MUST SEE: [PHOTO] CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF OBAMA'S 1st VISIT TO MALAYSIA
Earlier this month, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican had denied claims that the visit by Obama here is to put pressure on Malaysia to sign the TPPA.
He said Obama's visit here was not intended to put pressure on any agreement for the purchase of aircraft or arms.
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SUNDAY (November 22,2015)
5.45pm: Obama leaves Malaysia after attending ASEAN-related summits.
4pm: Obama leaves to TUDM, Subang for his flight back.
3.30pm: Obama holds a press conference at Ritz Carlton, KL. Journalists and crew members from local and international media attend the press conference.
2pm: Obama is expected to hold a press conference at Ritz Carlton here.
11am: Preparations are underway for Malaysia say ' Thank You' and Goodbye ' to President Barack Obama, who is scheduled to return back early this evening .
10:50am: The sound of police sirens was heard around the capital to accompany the head of states including Obama, who are headed to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ( KLCC ) to attend the 27th ASEAN summit today morning.
SATURDAY [November 21,2015]
4.00 pm: Obama meets with a group of social activists in an hour-long meeting to discuss issues on TPPA, corruption and human rights, as well as corruption allegations involving national strategic investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Among those present at the meeting include National Human Rights Society president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan; Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah; and Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism executive director, Cynthia Gabriel.
2.15 pm: President Obama meets the children at the Dignity for Children Foundation in KL. It is an organisation that assists refugees.
10.40am: The US president who arrived yesterday for the 27th ASEAN Summit, officially began his second day trip today with the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2015 at the Shangri-La Hotel here.
In his speech, Obama said the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) represents more than just trade, it is a vision of a better future in the global economy
10:37am: According to the U.S President, they have expanded their cooperation with emerging markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
10:35am: Obama also expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for hosting the 27th ASEAN Summit.
10:30am: President Obama sent his condolences to those involved in the incident in Mali and also condemned what he called the "appalling" jihadist attack that left at least 27 people dead, including an American citizen.
10:20am: Obama begin his speech at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2015 at the Shangri-La Hotel here today.
FRIDAY [November 20, 2015]
8.02pm: Press Conference with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and US President Barack Obama.
Eradicating terrorism, IS, climate change and TPPA among the topics discussed betweet the two country.
Below are highlights from the press conference, which took place at the KLCC Convention Centre.
7.24pm: The media about to enter the hall for a conference after the Malaysia-US bilateral meeting.
6.46pm: Local press await for clearance before the start of the Malaysia-US bilateral meeting.
6.44pm: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrives for the bilateral meeting held at KLCC.
6.37pm: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrives for the Malaysia-US bilateral meeting.
6.29pm: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman arrives at KLCC Convention Centre.
6.17pm: Members of the media await for clearance for Malaysia-US bilateral meeting. Astro AWANI's Rizal Zulkapli reports.
5.56pm: Treat people with respect and dignity, advises Obama.
That concludes Obama's Q&A session with a group of participants and leaders under the US' Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).
5.52pm: Obama says we not only need to embrace change but need to know how everyone will benefit from it.
5.44pm: Obama says US consumers are more and more interested in organic products.
5.30pm: "You do what you can and you're never going to be completely satisfied." - Obama
5.24pm: Who is the most inspirational person in Obama's life?
5.06pm: "A lot of young people don't think farming is a high ambition." - Obama
4.51pm: "One of those values is that countries work best when everybody has a voice that can be respected." - Obama
4.30pm: Obama applauds the contribution of youths in this region.
4.25pm: "Young people like you will define the future of this region." - Obama
4.20pm: "You have the power to change the world" - Obama
4.11pm: Obama begins the town hall session at Taylor's University in Petaling Jaya.
4.00pm: Watch live streaming of YSEALI town hall session with Obama here
3.30pm: The Air Force One carrying Obama arrives at the TUDM, Subang Airport.
3.11pm: A group of participants and leaders under the US' Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) are waiting eagerly for the arrival of US president Barack Obama.
A town hall session is expected to begin at 4pm today at Taylor’s University, Petaling Jaya.
1.59pm: President Obama is now on his way to Kuala Lumpur after departing from Manila, about an hour ago.
1.44pm: Special collector's edition T-shirt will be given away to few lucky likers of US Embassy Kuala Lumpur Facebook page.
12.59pm: The US Embassy launches hashtag #ObamaInKL in welcoming Obama to the capital.
12.50pm: Astro AWANI Business Desk Editor, Rizal Zulkapli makes preparations to cover the US-Malaysia Bilateral Meeting scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur this evening.
11.30am: Members of the media make final arrangements to cover the Obama's arrival in Subang this afternoon.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said soldiers had been deployed in Kuala Lumpur as an extra security precaution, amid unconfirmed reports of an "imminent terrorist threat" ahead of Obama's arrival.
"There have been reports of imminent terrorist threats in Malaysia. At this point, I would like to underline that they have yet to be confirmed," he said in a statement yesterday.
Malaysia tightened security following terrorist attacks in France, Egypt and Lebanon, Khalid said.