Malaysia hopes US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz will allay concerns over his possible appointment as World Bank president when its current head James Wolfensohn's tenure ends this month.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar expressed optimism that Wolfowitz would not necessarily cause more problems for developing countries already burdened with debilitating debt or worsen relations between the US and other countries.

However, he did admitted that such fears were "well-grounded" especially since Wolfowitz is widely regarded to be the key architect to the invasion of Iraq.

"We understand those fears, and those fears are definitely well-grounded considering the background of this person.

"But it is up to him, if he does become World Bank president, to take into account such fears and allay such fears (through his policies)," he said when met at the sidelines of the three-day international conference on "Peace in Palestine" in Putrajaya.

Syed Hamid also said Malaysia is not in a position to influence the decision as to who would take up the rein of the World Bank, which provides about US$20 billion a year to poor countries.

Nevertheless, Malaysia's confidence was bolstered by the fact that Canada and Germany, among other countries, had expressed their approval of Wolfowitz, he added.

Canada and Germany were among the more vocal countries to object the US-led invasion of Iraq. France, another vociferous critic of the US, is also reported to back Wolfowitz for the job.

Former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was also reported by Bloomberg to have voiced his backing for the deputy defense secretary.

Credentials questioned

Their stand contrasts starkly with that of a number of other government leaders and economists who have expressed disapproval at US president George W Bush's choice of candidate.

According to the UK-based Telegraph , former World Bank chief economist Joseph Stiglitz said the bank under Wolfowitz would be rendered into an "explicit instrument of US foreign policy."

He also questioned Wolfowitz' qualifications and ability to lead the 184-member bank.

"He has no training or experience in economic development or financial markets. We need someone in charge who knows. . . development."

Britain's former secretary for international development Clare Short was another notable figure who expressed disdain at the choice, describing it as a demonstration of US power.

"America is going to do what it likes or hard cheese," she reportedly told British television.

The World Bank's 24-member board will vote on Wolfowitz nomination on March 31.