The next American Ambassador to Malaysia, Marie Huhtala, has sent a clear message from the Bush Administration. If Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants a better relationship with the United States, he had better deal with the problem of Anwar Ibrahim and the rights of the people of Malaysia.

As a former Ambassador to Malaysia, I continue to follow developments there closely, albeit from afar.

I have known of Marie's reputation for many years, and she is one of our very best diplomats. After reading her testimony, I can say how very proud I am of her, because she has laid it on the line on behalf of President Bush, and said: If the prime minister wants a better relationship with the United States - Malaysia's largest trading partner, largest export market, and largest investor - then he had better deal seriously with the problem of Anwar Ibrahim.

She said on July 25: "We remain deeply concerned by the case of jailed former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the treatment of members of the political opposition."

There are a number of people in Malaysia who live in a dream world - who believe only what they read in a controlled press - who believe that for whatever reason, things would be better under George Bush than under the evil Al Gore. These people never studied American history and don't understand the principles that motivate the people of my country today.

If Mahathir sincerely wants to improve relations with America and show the Malaysian people - and the world - that there is a 'New Mahathir' and a 'New Malaysia', then he should free Anwar and allow him to re-engage in the political affairs of the nation. Let all of the people of Malaysia, and not just one man, decide their future. If Mahathir thinks that he is right, then let him prove it when his chief critic is not locked behind bars.

Mahathir says that Malaysia is a democracy.

Prove it. Free Anwar. Let the people decide what their future should be, Mr Prime Minister.

As we say in America, put up or shut up.

Because that is what a democracy is all about.