The government is bent on pursuing its case against Indonesian daily Kompas, over a report which claimed that Malaysia had apologised to Indonesia over a naval incident in the Sulawesi Sea.

Deputy Defence Minister Zainal Abidin Zin told the Dewan Rakyat today that action would be taken.

"We will not stop there but will find a solution," he said when winding up his speech on the Armed Forces Bill 2005.

Saying the government is upset over the report, he reiterated that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak - also the defence minister - has not apologised to Jakarta as claimed.

On April 8, two warships - one each from Malaysia and Indonesia - had reportedly 'brushed' against each other while patrolling the disputed maritime border in the Sulawesi Sea.

Kompas, one of the largest and most influential newspapers in Indonesia, then reported that Najib had verbally apologised to the Indonesian defence attache in Malaysia over the incident.

Local media reports today quoted Najib as saying that he is considering legal action against the newspaper.

MPs added their concerns in the House, telling the government to be stringent in acting against the Indonesian newspaper.

'Don't be jealous'

Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) described the report as ' kurang ajar' (uncivilised), saying that it has humiliated both countries.

Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Santubong) said the Attorney-General's Chambers should work with Indonesian lawyers to look into the matter.

"Malaysia will not declare a war or fight with anyone as we are a civilised nation. But we hope the government will take action against the newspaper. It should not be let off too easily," he said.

"We can practise democracy, but it doesn't mean that anyone can lie and disseminate lies. The report is inaccurate and unprofessional. The Indonesian media is jealous of Malaysia's wealth and prosperity."

Offering advice tinged with sarcasm, he said: "Don't be jealous, ask and learn from Malaysia. Don't be shy to ask."

'Its the media'

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the government will not send a protest note to Indonesia as it was not a matter involving governments.

"We only send the note if it is involved government to government. But in this case, Kompas is a media," he said in a press conference in parliament lobby.

Asked if he will raise the issue with the Indonesian government when he attend the Africa-Asia conference in Jakarta tomorrow, Syed Hamid said he will not bring up this issues as 'I know what are they going to respond- 'It is (the) media'."