The government today rejected a US request to cut ties with Saddam Hussein's regime and shut down the Iraqi mission here.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said Kuala Lumpur does not see any reason why it should end ties with Baghdad or expel Iraqi diplomats from Malaysia.

"Our position remains the same. We see no reason why we should break ties with Baghdad. We have not severed our ties or closed our embassy," he told reporters.

The United States yesterday asked governments worldwide to sever ties with Saddam Hussein's regime, shut down Iraq's embassies and freeze its assets until new authorities are in power in Baghdad.

Syed Hamid said the Iraqi embassy would continue to operate in Malaysia. "This will continue."

Humanitarian issue

Malaysia has condemned the US-led war against Iraq and calling it a " black mark in history" that would undermine the campaign against terrorism.

Syed Hamid said Malaysia would not expel Iraqi diplomats because there has not been any evidence they are involved in activities that threaten national security.

"As far as Malaysia is concerned, we have not got that kind of evidence," he said.

Syed Hamid said Malaysia's strong opposition to the war should not be interpreted as meaning it was anti-US or its allies.

"We are not anti-US or its allies. This is an humanitarian issue. Civilian lives are at stake here," he said.

Syed Hamid expressed concern that the pain inflicted o­n Iraqi people would fuel anger.

"That anger can be translated into terrorists acts. Of course we are concerned because this will encourage extremist groups.

"You take the law in your own hands, this will promote terrorism," he warned. AFP