SYED HAMID ALBAR, MALAYSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: Definitely there is no anti-Australian attitude. I think it's just to voice our feelings and our disagreement about the war and, as you know, we are against any form of war as a means of resolving conflicts. So that is an expression to let the Australian Government know the position taken by the Malaysian people. It's nothing to do with being anti-Australian. Australians are our friends and we continue to welcome Australians in our country.

MARK DAVIS: You have warned of rising anger and hatred in the wake of this war. You've also labelled the actions of Australia and its allies as "terrorism". I imagine that hasn't won you many friends either in Canberra or Washington.

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I think it is important to distinguish the act of government and the act of its people. I think mainly many citizens of Australia are also not in agreement with the Government's action to go and join the allies, the US in this war in Iraq. So we consider it's an invasion.

MARK DAVIS: Let's leave the demonstration aside for a moment and consider your comments. You have accused Australia and its allies of terrorist action. Is that an accurate description or a helpful one?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I think there are many things that have taken place so far in this invasion on Iraq that have not been helpful to international or regional peace. So I think here in this particular case when there is no legitimacy for the invasion, there is no - the United Nations charter had been ignored, it can be likened to an act of terrorism and this is the statement that we made because we feel that, you know, the people that you have terrorised will be the civilian population, and these are the things that have upset Malaysians and many people all over the world.

MARK DAVIS: What is the current state of Australia's reputation in Malaysia and in the region?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I think, you know, we do not expect to dictate Australia on how it conducts its foreign policy. Neither can Australia dictate us on how we should conduct and take positions in certain international relations matter or foreign policy matters. But I think it shouldn't upset insofar as our other bilateral relations. I think in this particular case we cannot agree and we have said so.

MARK DAVIS: Well, the relationships have been bad in the past at times, is this any different?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: Australia has got strong positions and it is Australia's right to do so, but we have also got a right to state our position and I think that should be understood in that context. There are certain regional issues that we feel quite strongly about. There are certain issues that we look at it from our national perspective, and when there are very strong comments about our leadership or our government, definitely it will cause us to have a reaction.

MARK DAVIS: Your nation has been one of the most openly vocal in its opposition to the war. This has probably damaged relations with Australia. It's almost certainly infuriated America. Are you not concerned that there may be a price for your country for effectively supporting Saddam Hussein?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I think let it be very clear we are not talking about supporting Saddam Hussein. We are for the United Nations, we are against any unilateral act, we are against any action that makes the United Nations irrelevant, and I think this is the position that we have taken. We know there may be consequences, but when we stand on principle, we have to face those consequences and I think we are on the right course, because here is a question of being against war and wanting peace.

MARK DAVIS: Malaysia has been criticised as a financial centre and a meeting place for al-Qa'ida and other terrorist organisations. Since September 11, since the Bali bombing, has Malaysia done enough to shut down those groups?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I think I do not know whether you are describing it accurately that Malaysia has been described as a centre. There has been occasion when we were provided with intelligence and we informed them of - the American side - that these people had passed through Malaysia, and I think like in Australia, or any other countries, when people pass through our countries we do not know who they are until after the event. Our concern is that this war will cause us to defocus from our collective as well as cooperative efforts in order to combat terrorism. In fact, it will create so much anger that there will be other terrorist acts that can take place, and this is our concern, this is our worry.

MARK DAVIS: Well, on Monday you claimed that the actions of Australia and its allies are a threat to the world, that they will give rise to suicide attacks internationally and presumably in this region as well. Has Australia responded to those comments?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I do not know whether Australia respond. I do not respond to every comment that Australia makes, neither do I expect a response from Australia on every comment that, you know, I make. So I think the most important thing is for us to understand the issues and look at the root causes and express our concern and worry, so those matters can be addressed.

MARK DAVIS: Well, have you expressed your concerns directly to Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, and if so, what's been...

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I have had no opportunity to speak to him.

MARK DAVIS: In how many months?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I haven't spoken to him at all.

MARK DAVIS: But this is a very serious issue, perhaps the most serious issue that can confront us as neighbours. Should the foreign ministers be communicating on these issues?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I cannot dictate what the Australian Foreign Minister wants to do, but if he calls me then I will respond to him and I have no problem in talking to him or discussing with him.

MARK DAVIS: After the Bali bombing, John Howard threatened the pre-emptive use of troops or special forces to protect Australia's interests in any country. He didn't retract that comment as you suggested he should. Indeed, he's demonstrated a willingness to exercise that right in Iraq. Does Malaysia still feel directly threatened by that stance?

SYED HAMID ALBAR: I think it would be a big mistake if anybody think that they can just walk into another country and threaten the security and stability of another country. The most important thing is one has to cooperate in resolving problems. We have never believed in pre-emptive action because I think this has no international legitimacy or is it consistent with the United Nations charter.

MARK DAVIS: Minister, thanks for joining us.