Malaysia has objected to a US plan to include restrictions on the production and sale of portable missiles in a joint statement by Asia-Pacific leaders who launched talks in Bangkok today, diplomats said.

US President George W Bush was pushing for the issue to be included in the joint declaration of leaders of the 21 economies in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum as part of Washington's anti-terror campaign.

The United States suspects the so-called man-portable air-defense systems, known as MANPADS, could be used by the al-Qaeda terror group to shoot down commercial planes, particularly American aircraft.

But Asian diplomats said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad felt the issue was largely a security problem that should be addressed in detail by other forums and not within Apec.

"Malaysia feels MANPADS is more of a security issue that cannot be addressed in Apec, which should concentrate on its main theme: economic issues," a diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Under review

Mahathir had expressed concern that Apec was slowly developing into a security forum as the United States pushes for a greater military role in the region in its fight against terrorism.

Apec officials said that the draft of a joint statement, which initially contained a portion calling for a commitment by Apec leaders to "impose strict control of these weapons and their essential components in order to protect international aviation", could be reviewed.

"Initially we thought it is going to be adopted without any problems. Now there could a debate on this but it could still be adopted," said an official.

He said that the MANPADS portion in the draft statement had now been "placed within brackets," indicating that "it is under review."

The official clarified that Malaysia did not oppose the plan per se but was against it being discussed within the Apec forum. - AFP