(AFP) Philippine President Gloria Arroyo wants Muslim rebel Nur Misuari to be deported back to the Philippines, adding that she does not want the renegade leader to be a liability to Malaysia.

"I rather get him back from Malaysia when Malaysia is finished with its interrogation," Arroyo said in a recorded interview over TV3 yesterday.

Arroyo said Manila did not want Misuari's detention to be a burden to Kuala Lumpur but it had to ensure the situation in the southern Philippines stabilized first.

"I don't want Misuari to be a burden to Malaysia," she said in the programme "In Conversation", a monthly programme that interviews leaders of Southeast Asian countries.

Arroyo said Philippines was against Misuari being deported to a third country.

The previous two leaders interviewed were Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Armed revolt

Misuari was detained Nov 24 after he fled to Sabah on Borneo island after leading an armed revolt in the mainly Catholic Philippines that left more than 100 people dead.

He faces rebellion and sedition charges in the Philippines, but Manila has made it clear that it is in no hurry to have the former governor of a Muslim self-rule area back home, apparently because it fears new problems from his supporters if he is jailed there.

Malaysia, on the other hand, has said it wants to be rid of him as soon as possible, partly because it also fears trouble from Misuari's supporters and because it does not want to be tainted with any connection to what could be seen as Islamic terrorism.

Arroyo said in the fight against terrorism, Manila would focus on poverty eradication mainly in south-western Philippines where terrorists exist.

"Terrorism and poverty are interwined," she said.

Arroyo described Mahathir as "wise and strong leader" since the 75-year-old premier has successfully ensured a stable and peaceful Malaysia.