KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 ― Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today urged local groups not to hold protests when US President Barack Obama visits, categorising the leader as an “important” guest to Malaysia and its neighbours.

Ahmad Zahid was responding to a question about an NGO’s plan to demonstrate over the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) outside the US Embassy during Obama's visit this weekend.

“Obama's visit is for the importance of the ASEAN region, any individual or NGO that wants to have demonstration has to see that.

“Don't look at the negative aspects, especially when we are ASEAN Summit hosts. We have to be respectful and I hope they are open minded about it,” he told reporters in a press conference today after signing an agreement with the US on combating serious crime.

Zahid also urged the parties unhappy with Obama's visit or the government to resolve it through proper channels and not via public demonstrations.

US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y. Yun, meanwhile, said that the US Embassy here was unfazed by the planned protest, saying it was used to such incidents.