Malaysia will not allow the United States to establish military bases in the country but is prepared to have other forms of defence cooperation with Washington, a report said today.

"This is a matter of pride and sovereignty. There is no need for such suggestions to be considered as we have an able and capable defence force," Najib Razak, defence minister was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times newspaper.

Najib said this when asked to comment o­n a report that the Pentagon was planning a realignment of troops in Asia.