Oil should be used as a weapon to protect the interests of Muslims, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today.

"If we reduce oil output, prices will rise. It can be used as a weapon to protect the interest of Muslims," Mahathir said.

Malaysia is due to take over the chairmanship of the Organisation of the Islamic conference (OIC) next year.

"Oil is the only thing Muslim nations have which is needed by the rest of the world. If they can cut back on supply, people will not be oppressive on them," Mahathir said.