(AFP) - Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today he was unaware of a reported murder plot against him.

"I do not have any information on this. Normally if there is anything serious, the police will inform me," he said.

"I do not think there is anything serious about it," Mahathir told reporters after attending a Christmas celebration.

The Sun newspaper today reported that police have uncovered a plot to kill the 76-year-old leader and his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The newspaper said the "hit" on Mahathir would take place "in a month or two."

It said police special branch officers have uncovered the plot a few months ago.

Extremist group

Mahathir said that extremist groups in the country had indicated their plan to murder him.

"I do not discount this rumour. Of course extremist groups have more or less indicated that's what their objective is," he said.

The newspaper said in 1999, police uncovered a tape with recordings inciting people to kill Mahathir and other leaders.

Mahathir said he does not suspect anyone who might make an attempt on his life. "Security around me is sufficient."

"We should not dismiss the report. But we can't let it (the threat) stop us from doing our work," he added.