WASHINGTON, 20 NOV 1998 (New Washington Times) - Malaysia's Trade Minister, Rafidah Aziz, currently in the US on a trade mission, has turned down an invitation to the White House. Instead, she has requested a face-to-face bilateral meeting with Ken Starr.

In a press interview, Rafidah described it as a symbolic gesture to show the world Malaysia's deep concern over the possible mistreatment of Ken Starr. She denied that the meeting amounted to interference in the internal affairs of the United States.

She expressed fears for the safety of Ken Starr: "For all we know, he could be arrested tomorrow and then beaten in custody for having uncovered so many allegations against the President. Maybe President Clinton will frame him on immorality charges with men, women, transvestites and prostitutes as well as corruption, treason and sedition. Then the FBI and CIA will surely fabricate enough evidence to convict him in a kangaroo court, under a biased judge."

Rafidah pointedly reminded President Clinton that any attempt to remove Ken Starr from office must be made in strict accordance with the Constitution of the United States. In other words, she said: "Don't just sack him and inform Congress later. And don't just interview a few witnesses yourself and act as prosecutor, lawyer, judge and jury all in one." She also warned Clinton not to use the media to smear Ken Starr.

Stunned observers commented that they did not know where she got her outlandish ideas of how justice operates in the United States. One of them said: "What she describes might possibly take place under a third-world dictatorship but is inconceivable under our form of democracy."

Ken Starr, when contacted, was bemused. "I assure her that her fears are unfounded. Much as the President and I dislike each other, I do not believe he is about to throw me into prison and have me beaten up." He would not say whether he would agree to meet what he described as a "very strange woman."

New Washington Times has also learnt that when Rafidah sought a meeting with Monica Lewisky and Paula Jones, they had requested fees of over a million dollars each. Neither women could be contacted for comments.