KUALA LUMPUR: Every world leader’s vehicle, hidden behind the tinted glass and flashing lights of the accompanying motorcade, tells a unique story.
Whether it is the US president’s Cadillac One, simply known as “The Beast”, or the elegant limousines ferrying global leaders, each reflects a nation’s blend of security, status and style.
US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to arrive here for the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits tomorrow, will take off in “The Beast” soon after landing.
While the limousine’s security details remain classified, it is known to have robust defence systems, making it a highly secured fortress on wheels.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is also expected to attend the summit, is known to ride in a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith convertible for special occasions.
The classic soft-top car has also been used for presidential inaugurations for the past 50 years.
Regional leaders, meanwhile, have their own strut as well.
During the 46th Asean Summit here earlier this year, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah rode in a Hongqi Guoli as his official vehicle.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is known to ride in a specially manufactured presidential vehicle, the MV3 Garuda Limousine.
Otherwise known as the Maung Garuda, it was first seen by the public after Prabowo’s swearing-in ceremony as the republic’s president.
It is a light tactical 4x4 SUV that is intended to support close combat operations and navigate difficult terrains.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr of the Philippines is known to ride in several vehicles on official duty, including a Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition and a heavily armoured Cadillac Escalade ESV.
Malaysia’s first electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS7, also serves as the official car for key delegations during the country’s Asean chairmanship.
The plan was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah saying that the Proton X70 will also be deployed for the purpose.
Anwar said the 47th Asean Summit and its related summits are expected to be among the largest in the regional bloc’s history.
