WRAP Malaysian PM Mahathir meets President Bush

(15 May 2002)

1. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad surrounded by US politicians
2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysian Prime Minister:
"Well definitely we'll talk about terrorism and how to handle it.
Q: That's it?
A: That is the main thing, but there'll be other things bilateral.
Q: Trade issues?
A: Trade issues, yes, of course, and protectionism for example."
3. Mahathir shaking hands with US politicians Pete Sessions and Gregory Meeks
4. Cutaway of photographers
5. Mahathir Mohamad leaving the room
6. Mahathir Mohamad touring the Capitol
7. Photo opportunity with Mahathir and US politicians
8. Cutaway of media
9. Photo opportunity
10. Various of photo opportunity with US president George W. Bush and Mahathir inside Oval office
11. Cutaway to press
12. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, US President
"It's great to see you, I've been looking forward to this visit to publicly thank the prime minister in his strong support in the war against terror. He, right after the September 11 attacks, immediately signed the condolences books in our embassy and that meant a lot. He's been a somebody with whom we can talk, have good relations, we share a deep concern about terror, what terror means to our respective countries, what it means to our peoples. Prime minister, I want to thank you for your friendship, thank you for your leadership and welcome."
14. Wide shot of photo opportunity
15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysian Prime Minister
"I hope that as a result of this visit we will be able to understand the strategy and maybe to work out how best to deal with this problem which plagues the whole world, not just the United States. I'm quite sure that this visit will be very fruitful. Thank you."
16. Wide shot of photo opportunity

STORYLINE:

US President George W Bush has welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to the White House for an update on the anti-terrorism campaign.

Earlier Mahathir launched the Malaysia Trade, Security and Economic Cooperation Caucus at Capitol Hill.

During his trip, Mahathir has brushed off concerns about human rights violations and said his Southeast Asian nation will move toward democracy at its own pace. Mahathir had long been controversial because of his jailing in 1998 of his former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

The Malaysian leader, who prompted questions about human rights violations after the 1998 jailing of his former deputy prime minister, is enjoying newly warm ties with Washington because of his help in the war against terrorism.

Mahathir, now praised for his moderate Muslim views, also has seen his country's military ties with the US increase to an all-time high.

Since September 11, Malaysia has arrested more than 60 suspected Islamic militants with alleged ties to al-Qaida, including a former army captain accused of letting two of the September 11 hijackers meet in his apartment in 2000.

During a photo-op in the White house, President Bush thanked the Malaysian leader for his support in the Americans' war against terror.

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