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.