(AFP) A decision by the United States to tighten visa restrictions for Muslim men from Malaysia was baseless, said Defence Minister Najib Tun Razak said today.

Najib was quoted by the Sunday Star newspaper as saying the move should not have been made against Malaysia, which had "continuously campaigned against terrorism acts by various groups".

"We are sad over this decision. I don't see the basis for the US to drag Malaysia into the issue of fighting terrorism."

He added that Malaysia was a peaceful country with law-abiding citizens and had always attracted visits by foreign tourists.

The US announced Friday it would tighten visa restrictions, beginning next week, for men from predominantly Muslim nations after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and New York's World Trade Center.

Detailed questionnaire

The new restrictions would require Muslim men from 25 selected countries to complete a detailed questionnaire and wait 20 days for visas.

Najib, who was quoted as saying the move was regrettable, added that Malaysia had yet to decide whether to submit a protest over the visa restrictions.

"However, we believe the US decision will be a boost for Malaysia if citizens from the other listed countries decide not to go to the US and instead come to other places such as Malaysia for business or leisure," he said.

Countries affected by the new rules are Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.