BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

Mahathir prepares for talks with Bush

Mr Mahathir will stress his crack-down on militants

The two leaders are due to sign an agreement formalising their co-operation against terrorist groups, especially Islamic militants operating in South East Asia.

Dr Mahathir's visit, his first to the White House since 1994, marks his improved standing in Washington.

Under Mr Bush's predecessor Bill Clinton, Dr Mahathir was criticised by the US for his treatment of his former deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, now jailed for sodomy and "abuse of power".

Human rights groups used Dr Mahathir's 1994 visit to highlight Malaysia's repressive Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows authorities to indefinitely detain people without trial.

Since the 11 September terrorist attacks on America, Malaysia has stepped up its raids on suspected Islamic militants, arresting 38 people since December.

Malaysia says some of the detainees may have links to Osama Bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.

Human rights issue

But Human Rights Watch said Dr Mahathir was using the fight against terrorism as a pretext to stamp out dissent.

"Dr Mahathir is manipulating the war against terrorism to justify the use of this repressive law," the group said, referring to the ISA.

Amnesty International called on Mr Bush to "seek assurances from Prime Minister Mahathir of respect for judicial independence, an end to politically motivated prosecutions and and an end to the use of torture".

Speaking before his departure, Dr Mahathir said Malaysia might buy US-made Super Hornet FA-18E/F fighter jets if they came equipped with the latest weaponry.

Malaysia has been upgrading its military and navy, placing orders for Polish tanks and French submarines.