Malaysia attacks Australia anti-terror plan

CANBERRA - Malaysia has warned Australia not to "bulldoze" through a maritime anti-terror plan that has already been criticised by neighbouring Indonesia as breaching international law and Jakarta's sovereignty over its own waters.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Monday that Malaysia's Deputy Defence Minister, Zainal Abidin Zin, described the plan as "volatile".

"They cannot bulldoze a plan that does not honour the sovereignty of another country," Abidin Zin said.

"They cannot say, for the sake of security, they have the power to intercept ships. We are not happy with the statement showing their supremacy."

Under the plans unveiled by Prime Minister John Howard last week, ships destined for Australia could be intercepted once inside a security net stretching up to 1000 nautical miles (1850 km) away.

Once inside the zone all ships will be required to identify themselves and give details of cargo and crew, while suspicious vessels could be intercepted in a move some analysts say will bolster a view of Australia as a regional US "deputy sheriff".

Australia's Defence Minister Robert Hill defended the plan as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Indonesia on Friday, and said it was not an attempt to extend Australia's maritime jurisdiction.

Howard, who said the security zone would be based on cooperative international arrangements, has at times tested Australia's relationship with Asia, alarming neighbours by positioning Australia as a US deputy sheriff in Asia.

He recently caused more disquiet when he reiterated his view that pre-emptive strikes in another country were a legitimate response to terrorist threats, and announced plans for a regional spy school and counter-terrorism plans for Asia.

A spokesman for Australia's Foreign Affairs Department said last week that New Zealand, Indonesia and East Timor had now been briefed on the security net, which he stressed would stretch 1000 nautical miles only if there were no competing jurisdictions.

New Zealand, a very close ally of Australia, initially expressed confusion about the maritime security zone plan but said on Thursday said it did not appear to infringe on the sovereign rights of neighbouring countries.

- REUTERS