Microsoft founder Bill Gates today brushed off the threat posed by Linux software in Asia and pushed for the use of the Windows operating system in Malaysia.

Gates, who is in Malaysia for a one-day visit to meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, expressed Microsoft's willingness to help the country improve computer proficiency and boost its IT sector.

"I was able to explain our commitment to work with the government and help in the best way we can," he told reporters.

"We had a good discussion and I am sure that there will be more discussions in the future," he added.

Asked if the increasing popularity of the Linux operating system in Asia, the world's fastest-growing personal computer market, posed a concern, Gates said: "In terms of Microsoft software, it is being used very heavily around the world and we are very pleased in the partnership that we formed in Asia."

Unlike expensive Windows operating systems, Linux is available for free over the Internet while piracy of Windows software in Asia is rampant.

Education boost

Earlier, Gates and Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein signed a five-year RM10 million educational programme funded by Microsoft called 'Partners in Learning.'

The programme is a part of Microsoft's global initiative to increase access to technology tools and programmes to empower teachers and students to realise their full potential.

Gates, the world's richest man worth an estimated US$46 billion and a renowned philanthropist, had launched similar education programmes in 11 other countries including India, China and Japan and Australia.

He declined to comment on the European Union's decision to suspend anti-trust measures against Microsoft.

"That is a legal process. It will go on and on," he said.

Microsoft won a reprieve on Sunday from a hard-hitting anti-trust ruling by the European Union after the EU executive said it had suspended its punishment against the US software giant.

The decision means Microsoft can now escape a deadline of Monday to offer a European version of its Windows operating system stripped of the popular "Media Player" audio and video program. - AFP