Malaysia denies being base of arms smugglers

Malaysia denies being base of arms smugglers

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP): Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi denied that Malaysia is a base for separatists to
smuggle weapons into the strife-torn Indonesian province of Aceh.

"We have never supplied any arms to the movement and will
never allow our country to be the base for the smuggling of
weapons for any group," Abdullah was quoted as saying in the New
Straits Times on Sunday.

Abdullah was responding to remarks by an Indonesian official
who suggested that separatist rebels were bringing in arms from
nearby Malaysia.

The deputy prime minister said he had instructed Malaysia's
foreign ministry to investigate the claim. He added that Malaysia
adhered to a policy of non-interference in other countries'
affairs.

"What was said about our country is very difficult to
believe," Abdullah reportedly said. "Malaysia had no role in any
activities with the (Free Aceh) movement."

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said last week
that Malaysia would act as a mediator in the conflict or supply
aid if requested by Indonesia.