A Malaysia-based leader of Thailand's Muslim separatists is not a threat to neighbouring Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak has said, according to a report yesterday.

Wan Abdul Kadir Che Man, the leader of the Muslim separatist umbrella group Bersatu, was not considered a threat to Thailand's sovereignty and stability, Najib was quoted as saying by the New Sunday Times following a border security meeting in Thailand on Friday.

"The issue (of Wan Abdul Kadir) was not raised at the meeting," said Najib, who is also the defence minister.

Wan Abdul Kadir has been an associate professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia since 2001 but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Thai Defence Minister Chetta Tanajaro has described the separatist as a Thai citizen, while Thai media have reported that Wan Abdul Kadir went into self-imposed exile in Malaysia about 14 years ago and does not face

criminal charges in his homeland.

Peace talks

Najib said his visit to neighbouring Singapore next week was not connected with proposed talks between the Thai government and Bersatu.

Muslim separatists have been blamed for an escalation of violence in Thailand's south this year, culminating on April 28 when 108 Muslim rebels died during disastrous coordinated assaults on police stations and checkpoints.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has agreed to hold talks with Wan Abdul Kadir in a bid to end the violence although he has denied any involvement of Bersatu or affiliated separatist groups.

Unconfirmed reports in the Bangkok Post Friday cited an unnamed security source as saying the talks would take place June 4 in Singapore between the separatist leader and Thai army commander Chaisit Shinawatra. - AFP