The government has rejected allegations by the Thai defence minister that Islamic separatist rebels met in Langkawi to plot attacks in Thailand's troubled south.

"We do not have any information with regards to the allegation that there was a meeting in Langkawi to plan something.... if Thai authorities have any information, please share with us.

"Because at the moment now there is no evidence at all to show (a meeting took place)," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak was quoted as saying by TV3 yesterday.

"We investigated the allegation but there's no proof. So, I want to tell them there's no such meeting as alleged and there are no terrorists in Langkawi or in any parts of Malaysia," he said.

Thai Defence Minister General Thammarak Issarangkura Na Ayutthaya was quoted Saturday saying "key" militants had met on the resort island and that Thai intelligence would closely monitor activities in the area.

"We will keep a close eye on this from now on," he said, according to the Nation newspaper.

Dr M's island?

The report said Thammarak claimed the island belonged to former Malaysian prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who last week suggested Malaysians offer asylum to 131 Thai Muslims who arrived last month seeking safe haven.

Malaysian police have also dismissed the claim.

"I want to categorically deny the allegation as there are no such activities on (Langkawi) island," Kedah state police chief Mohamed Zuber Shariff was quoted as saying by the Sunday Star newspaper.

Mahathir said on Wednesday his proposal last October for Thailand to consider giving autonomy to its southern Muslim provinces to reduce violence, had not been well received by Thai authorities.

Close cooperation

Najib also today stressed the need for close cooperation with Thailand to ease unrest in southern Thailand following a war of words between the neighbours.

"We cannot say the Thais are transferring the problem to this side or we are transferring the problem to that side," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

"The bottom line is, both governments must have a good understanding and a good working relationship to ensure security in border areas is under control."

At least 935 people have been killed in the Muslim-majority provinces bordering Malaysia in attacks that analysts and authorities have blamed on a mix of Islamic separatists, drug dealers and organised crime. - AFP