US LOOKS FORWARD TO KNOWING ABOUT M'SIAN WOMEN'S PROGRESS

BY HASLINDA ZAINAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The United States wants to know more about the
participation and progress of Malaysian women in several areas like politics,
education and business, said US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"I am looking forward to learn more about what is happening in Malaysia, I am
working for more chances to set up exchanges between American women and
Malaysian women. Whenever I travel, I often make a count on how many women I
have met who are decision-makers," she said Tuesday.

She made these remarks to more than 500 people, including women leaders,
academicians, university and college students as well as representatives from
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at a "Conversation with US Secretary of
State Hillary Rodham Clinton" at the Institute of Islamic Thought and
Civilisation (Istac) here Tuesday.

The town hall-style one hour programme was moderated by Executive Director, News
and Editorial Operations, Media Prima Berhad (Media Prima) Ahmad A. Talib and
TV3 compere Norzie Pak Wan Chek.

Clinton, who had met with some of the top Malaysian women in the field of
politics, banking, government and business earlier, said she hoped that more
young Malaysian women would demonstrate their commitment to the multicultural
and pluralistic model that Malaysia had become known and show the way to other
countries to help them do the same.

Women continued to play a greater role today, especially young women with better
education, she said.

Clinton hoped that Malaysian women studying in universities would be given
encouragement to pursue their profesional aspirations and would also not abandon
their personal desires to become mothers and wives later.

"Society should support that because we don't want to lose the talents of
educated young women, we want educated young women to have families and bring up
the next generation," she said.

Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul
Jalil, who was also present, said she was very happy that US government looked
forward to working with the ministry to enhance ties at the women's level.

"I will meet Dr Jamaludin Jarjis (Malaysia's ambassador to the United States)
to follow up with Clinton's office on an official collaboration.

" I noticed she (Clinton) was very impressed with Malaysian women which augurs
well for the country," she said, adding that Malaysian women had indeed made
their mark in the world but their efforts needed to be promoted further.
-- BERNAMA