NO OBJECTION TO CLINTON MEETING OPPOSITION LEADER - MINISTER

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The government has no objection to United States
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meeting Opposition Leader Anwar
Ibrahim as it is customary for leaders to meet both government and opposition
leaders on a visit to any country.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said however, the move at this point of time would
not bode well as Anwar's sodomy trial was still before the court and they did
not want to give the wrong signals to the people.

"(Furthermore) Barisan Nasional (BN) government is now having by-elections in
both Galas (Kelantan) and a Sabah parliamentary (Batu Sapi)...so, we do not want
individuals or parties to misconstrue that United States or Secretary Clinton is
assisting these people," he told reporters at a joint conference with Clinton
here Tuesday.

Clinton, who arrived Monday night, is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia.

Earlier, Anifah and Clinton had an hour of bilateral meetings on regional and
international issues of mutual interest.

Clinton, who was asked whether she was going to meet Anwar later Tuesday,
however, sidestepped the question.

"I was unable to meet the prime minister (Najib Razak) Tuesday because of his
illness and that has an impact on my schedule here in Kuala Lumpur.

"Officials from the United States and State Department have been in regular
contact with Anwar, we'll continue to be in touch with him and we're watching
his case very closely, and as what the foreign minister has said about free and
open trial, that is exactly what we would expect," she responded.

"It is well known that the United States believes it is important for all
aspects of the case to be conducted fairly and transparently and either way,
that increases confidence in the rule of law in Malaysia.

"Our embassy maintains good relations with both the ruling coalition and the
opposition as important diciplines in a democratic process here in Malaysia, and
we will continue to support Malaysia's progress in strengthening democratic
institutions and the rule of law," she said.

Anifah also reiterated his assurance that Anwar, a former deputy prime minister,
got a fair trial.
-- BERNAMA