A morning chew after an interview

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar seems to fully understand how journalists operate.

The Ministry's assistant secretary of the external information division, Aznifah Isnariah Abdul Ghani, called journalists on midnight to inform them about the interview schedule.

The briefing's schedule had already been changed many times. It was originally set for 9 a.m. at the Jakarta Convention Center's (JCC) VIP Lounge but later moved to 8:30 a.m. at the hotel.

"But earlier, he (the minister) asked for a briefing after dinner yesterday (Wednesday)," she said, while adding that the minister was very approachable.

Guessing that journalists might miss breakfast during the 30- minute briefing, several carts of refreshments were rolled into the guestroom. - JP