US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be meeting with civil society groups during her official visit to Malaysia next week, although the format of the discussion has yet to be confirmed.

NONE Speaking to Malaysiakini when contacted, the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur’s information chief Tina Malone said she cannot say if the meeting will be in the form of a dialogue.

But there will be “some sort of interaction with civil society groups” when Clinton comes as part of her tour of Asia next week, said Malone.

This follows a request by human rights group Suaram to engage with Clinton on issues that affect both countries.

It had earlier been rumoured that her three-day visit to Malaysia would include a meeting with Anwar Ibrahim and other leaders of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat before she heads off to Papua New Guinea on Nov 3.

Not in her official schedule

However, US embassy officials said that a meeting with Anwar and Pakatan leaders is not in Clinton's official schedule.

Sin Chew Daily has today reported Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Abdul Aziz as saying such a meeting will not affect ties between Malaysia and the US.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is expected to host an event with Clinton to showcase its partnership with several American companies.

MAS said in a statement that the national carrier will also unveil its B737-800 aircraft due to arrive in Malaysia on Nov 1, for showcase the following day.