An emergency motion to debate the possibility of US forces being deployed to battle terrorism in Southeast Asia was rejected by Parliament Speaker Dr Mohamed Zahir Ismail today.

On rejecting the motion, moved by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), the speaker said the issue was not definite as US troops have yet to be given the green light to operate in the region.

"The matter that was raised by the honourable member from Kubang Kerian, if happens, is certainly of public importance and has to be urgently debated.

"However, what was speculated has yet to occur. US marines have not been stationed in this region especially at the Malacca Straits," he said in a written reply.

Mohamed Zahir also noted that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar have constantly rejected US military intervention in the region.

Strong stand

In his motion, Salahuddin said if the US was permitted to execute military operations in the region, it would lead to hostility and suspicion among countries here.

He urged Malaysia, as the head of the Non-Aligned Movement, to take a strong stand against the US' intention.

On Friday, US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said in Singapore that he hoped to have US troops fighting terrorism in the region 'pretty soon'.

Najib later objected to this, warning that the presence of US troops would fuel Islamic fanaticism and generate social and political instability.