Malaysia today rejected Australia as America's "sheriff" in the Asia-Pacific region and described Canberra as a "puppet" of the United States in the region.

"I suppose America wants a puppet of its own in this region whom they can trust, who will do whatever they wish," said Defence Minister Shafie Apdal.

"America can appoint anyone to be their representative or their agent or their puppet in this region but we will never recognise them. We are quite capable of handling our own security."

Defence Minister Najib Razak added: "We believe that the countries in the region should take care of its own security. We have enough resources to do it, we know the region better."

US President George W Bush hailed Australia as America's "sheriff" in the region ahead of a brief visit there next week, but embarrassed Australian politicians were wary of the badge, saying it may hamper ties with neighbouring countries.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar took a sarcastic line, telling reporters: "I want to congratulate Australia. I am sure you must be very happy.

"That is the beauty of a unipolar world, you can promote anybody. I don't know how many more will be promoted. Are there many more vacancies?"

Asian anger

Canberra has worked hard recently to soothe Asian anger over Prime Minister John Howard's 1999 remark that Australia was the United States' regional "deputy sheriff" and his speculation last year about ordering pre-emptive strikes against terrorist bases in nearby countries.

Bush fanned the flames, telling The Australian newspaper: "We don't see it as a deputy sheriff, we see it as a sheriff - there's a difference."

Australia was one of Bush's strongest supporters during the Iraq invasion, sending in troops on the ground.

Outgoing Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has been a strident critic of Australia's refusal to adopt so-called "Asian values", describing it this month as "some sort of transplant from another region".

He retires on Oct 31 after 22 years in power marked by often prickly relations with the West and with Australia. - AFP