Town Hall Style Meeting with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton

It was certainly a rare opportunity for about 140 HELP students from both Department of Communication and American Degree Program to attend a town hall style meeting with the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who was on an official visit to Malaysia recently.

Held at IUM’s International Institute for Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC), in Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur, the event was also attended by many top officials from both sides along with a handful of influential figures in the country such as Marina Mahathir and Zeti Aziz as well as students from other institutions.

The event kicked off with a loud applause when Mrs Clinton was welcomed onto the stage by TV3’s host, Ally Iskandar. There, she was greeted by Datuk Ahmad Talib and Norzie Pak Wan Chek, who led the audience through the one-hour conversation with her.

A wide-range of issues were being touched on from relationship of her country with the Muslim world to growing influence of China in the region as well as bilateral relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Washington, in the short but insightful session.

A live cross-over to both Kuala Lumpur City Library and Sarawak State Library was also being held where students asked questions regarding the contribution of women in the development of society in which Clinton commended the efforts taken by Malaysia in this area, particularly those made by Sisters in Islam (SIS).

In addition, some of the audiences present were also given a chance to direct their questions at Clinton on any issue in a Q&A segment moderated by Ally. Among the questions raised by the audience are educational and cultural exchanges between both sides, US role in helping disaster-hit country in the region as well as entrepreneurship opportunities for Malaysians in the US. Despite this, many present also wished that it could be extended longer to allow more thoughtful and critical questions being asked.

During the candid session, she also spoke of Bill as being an endlessly interesting life partner after having known him for 39 years and being his wife for 35 years.

When being asked about comments that she was smarter than her husband, she gave a convincing yet a diplomatic answer that was met with loud cheers from the crowd.

‘I think my husband is the smartest person I have ever met and he thinks the same of me,’ Clinton said.

The event ended with a lunch treat at the beautiful surroundings of the venue for all present at the talk.

Although there were some disappointments here and there, it is still being regarded as one of the best talks that most students have ever attended in the past amid the high-level of knowledge and intellect possessed by Mrs Clinton.

-Chan Hoi Cheong-