Malaysia, U.S. focus on terror fight

Mahathir said the U.S. must realize it comes across as a bully

WASHINGTON -- Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and U.S. President George W. Bush have put aside differences on human rights issues to reaffirm their commitment to fighting terrorism.

President Bush warmly welcomed the long-serving Malaysian leader to the White House Wednesday, saying he had been looking forward to publicly thanking him for his strong support for the U.S. stance following September 11.

Relations between Malaysia and the United States have been strained since the jailing of Mahathir's key rival and former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim in 1998.

The U.S. considers the jailing to be primarily politically motivated, a view reaffirmed by Bush when questioned by reporters on the issue following the leaders' meeting in the Oval Office.

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But the U.S. leader made it clear the matter would not interfere with the two nations' growing cooperation to fight terrorism, notably by sharing intelligence.

Malaysia provided key intelligence about al Qaeda activities throughout southeast Asia to the U.S. following September 11 and was quick to round-up suspected Islamic militants.

"My most important job, and I remind this to the American people, is to secure our homeland," Bush said according to Reuters news service.

"This is a very important visit from that respect."

Mahathir told reporters after the meeting that Bush had not raised the issues of human rights, democracy or the treatment of Anwar during the Oval Office meeting, which was followed by a separate session with Vice President Dick Cheney.

"He did not raise anything about democracy or human rights in Malaysia," Mahathir told reporters.

"By and large, I think other members of the U.S. government understand the way we deal with our problems in Malaysia."

Means to an end

Mahathir earlier told U.S. members of Congress not to expect an overnight change on democracy and human rights in Malaysia, regardless of a recent thaw in relations with the U.S, Associated Press reports.

Mahathir said he understood U.S. concerns about freedom in Malaysia and asked for patience, adding that democracy "is only a means, and not an end in itself".

"The West is very impatient. You want an overnight change," Mahathir is reported saying.

"Sudden change, even if it is for the good, is disruptive. Democracy for people who are not used to it can undermine stability, resulting in war even.

"It is well to remember that democracy is only a means, and not an end in itself," he added. "It is the good life that democracy brings that counts, not democracy per se."

Mahathir said his country is "unable to accept the absolute freedom that you believe in. ... One day perhaps we will be comfortable with your values, but for the moment we are not comfortable."

Overall, he said, the U.S. should realize that it comes across to the rest of the world as a bully.

Middle East question

Mahathir has been a trenchant critic of Israel in the past

"All that is needed is to be more gentle when faced with recalcitrant nations and people," Mahathir said.

"People tend to respond more positively to the friendly approach than to confrontations. Pushed into a corner, even the weakest will fight."

The other issue to divide the U.S. and Malaysia is the situation in the Middle East.

Mahathir has for years been an outspoken critic of Israel.

In a television lecture last week, Mahathir called on Muslim nations to unite to isolate Israel diplomatically.

The United States is one of Israel's strongest supporters.

Economic ties

But despite the differences, Malaysia and the United States have retained close security and economic ties.

U.S. and Malaysian forces train together at Malaysia's Jungle Warfare Training Center, and Malaysian officers go to the U.S. for training.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller in March described his agency's working relationship with Malaysian authorities as a critical part of worldwide efforts to investigate terrorist acts and financial networks.

U.S. companies meanwhile have $6 billion of direct investment in Malaysia, and the U.S. is the largest single investor in the country.

The U.S. is also Malaysia's largest customer, accounting for 20 percent of all exports, buying goods worth $22.3 billion last year.

Malaysia's imports from the United States totaled $9.4 billion.