Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told Australia it was not welcome in Malaysia after Canberra said it wanted to maintain an indefinite anti-terrorism presence in the region.
Mahathir, a veteran Muslim leader who has criticised Australia for sending troops to fight in Iraq, made no secret of his disdain when asked to comment on Australia's plan.
"They can go anywhere but don't come to Malaysia. You can tell them they are not welcome here," he told reporters.