Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Denise, start crossing fingers

KUALA LUMPUR: United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton flew into Malaysia last night for her whirlwind 36-hour visit, but the tricky question is whether she will meet Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The US embassy here gave a terse reply that it was unaware of such a meeting.

“There is no scheduled meeting between Mrs Clinton and Anwar in her social calendar as far as I am aware of,” said Tina Malone, the embassy’s press attache.

Whirlwind visit: Clinton being greeted by (from right) Malaysian Ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and US Ambassador to Malaysia Paul W Jones at the Subang airport Monday.

However, there is talk that Clinton will meet the Opposition Leader today.

Anwar left Sandakan for Kuala Lumpur last night after campaigning for the Batu Sapi by-election.
Should the meeting take place, it will not be viewed favourably by Kuala Lumpur just as bilateral relations with the administration of President Barack Obama appear to be strengthening.




Clinton, who is the first Secretary of State to conduct an official visit to Malaysia in 15 years, was received on arrival by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman at the Subang airport.

A bilateral meeting will take place at Wisma Putra in Putrajaya today, where they are expected to hold a joint press conference.

Clinton will also pay a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin later in the afternoon.

Her scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been called off as he is indisposed.

She will also attend a town hall-style meeting at the Institute of Islamic Thoughts and Civilisation (Istac) where some 500 guests have been invited.


Source : The Star Online