Burma might have to be expelled from the Asean grouping if its military rulers continue defying world pressure to release democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned in an interview.

Mahathir, who played a major role in bringing Burma into the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 1997, made it clear, however, that this would only be considered as a last resort.

"We will have to examine every avenue before we can take such drastic actions," he told AFP in an exclusive interview ahead of a visit Tuesday by French President Jacques Chirac.

"In the end, it may have to be that way. I don't say that it cannot be but certainly not at this moment."