Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak today welcomed Australian Prime Minister John Howard's desire to bolster ties with Asia but cautioned Canberra against launching pre-emptive strikes on neighbouring nations.

"We would like him to deepen ties with us. But not to launch pre-emptive strikes in Malaysia," Najib said when asked to comment on Howard's pledge to strengthen relations with Asian countries following his recent election victory.

Howard, whose conservative coalition stormed home in the weekend poll, said Australia had no enemies in Asia, despite concerns among some of its neighbours that it had become a regional "deputy sheriff for the United States".

Najib, who is also defence minister, reiterated Malaysia's opposition to foreign interference in the domestic security of another country in the war against terrorism.

"We have stated our position that Australia or any nation for that matter must respect the sovereignty of Malaysia," he said.

"We can handle any form of terrorist threats in Malaysia. We have the means. We have the resources. We have the experinces. We do not need any foreign interference."

Tetchy ties

Howard was criticised at home and overseas over a statement made during the election campaign that Australia, as a last resort to defend its people, would pre-emptively strike at terrorists in another country.

But he stressed that it was be highly improbable Australia would ever have to make such an attack.

"I don't think it would ever be likely that it would occur," he said Wednesday.

Malaysia and Australia signalled a new era in a tetchy relationship in June after Canberra invited Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to visit Australia following a visit by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

It has been 20 years since a Malaysian premier made an official visit to Australia. Officials say Abdullah was expected to visit Australia early 2005.