January 28, 2005

Abdullah: Top rebel suspect might not be handed over
 BANGKOK POST and AP

 Malaysia's prime minister has indicated his government may not allow extradition of a man Thailand says is a mastermind of separatist violence in the South.

 He was commenting as the row between Thai and Malaysian leaders continued with Bangkok showing disappointment at Kuala Lumpur's remarks.

 Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi confirmed Malaysian police recently arrested Chae Kumae Kuteh, whom Thailand says is a religious teacher and leader of New Pulo, a separatist group.

 However, Mr Abdullah said documents found on the suspect indicated he was a Malaysian national, and added that Malaysia and Thailand have no extradition treaty.

 ''On the basis of the papers we found on him, there is no evidence to show he is Thai, but he has documents to prove that he is a Malaysian citizen,'' Mr Abdullah said.

 Malaysia would cooperate with Thailand in sharing information about Chae Kumae's activities, but he said officials would wait for a formal request from Bangkok.

 Mr Abdullah said Chae Kumae, who is on a list of 46 suspected Muslim insurgent leaders compiled by Thai security forces, was detained without charge under Malaysia's Internal Security Act.

 ''The fact is that he has done something which we believe is important [enough] for us to detain him and conduct a full investigation,'' Mr Abdullah said.

 He did not provide details of the arrest or the suspect's alleged offences.

 Prime Minister Thaksin announced the arrest on Wednesday, saying Malaysia was checking the suspect's nationality and would turn him over to Thailand if he is not a Malaysian national.

 Mr Thaksin's remarks were criticised by Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar who said the news should not have been released via the media.

 Mr Thaksin said checks on Mr Chae Kumae's identity were needed and Thailand would help Malaysia with the investigation if it turned out he was in fact a Malaysian national.

 Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said he was disappointed with his counterpart's criticism of the prime minister, saying it should not be done through the media either.

 ''It is deemed inappropriate for a person holding ministerial rank in a neighbouring country to make negative statements directed at a leader of another country in such a manner which is not constructive to their existing close relations,'' he said.