Moro rebel leader Nur Misuari should not be detained in the country a day longer and must be handed back to the Filipino authorities immediately, an opposition leader said today.

DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang said Misuari's repatriation was important not only to avoid Malaysia's interference in the internal affairs of the Philippines, but to ensure that Misuari did not become a 'magnet' for disaffected Filipino Muslim elements.

"The most pressing task of the Malaysian authorities is to start a sustained programme to repatriate and reduce the illegal Filipino presence in Sabah, which will not be helped by Malaysia holding Misuari in the country," he said in a press statement.

He added that Malaysians were feeling very uncomfortable that the authorities appeared to be entertaining Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's wish that Malaysia dealt with the rebel first for violating Malaysian laws.

Malaysian authorities arrested Misuari along with six of his followers on Pulau Jampiras in Sabah waters at 3.30am on Saturday for entering the country illegally.

Misuari, sacked by Arroyo as Governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao for instigating a bloody revolt in Southern Philippines, fled to Sabah from Jolo after the Philippine military launched a manhunt for him.

No decision yet

Arroyo said yesterday that she would be very comfortable if Malaysia dealt with Misuari first before it handed him over to Manila.

She added that she had instructed the foreign affairs and justice departments to recognise Kuala Lumpur's prerogative to investigate Misuari.

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, however, said earlier yesterday that there was no decision yet on when to hand Misuari over to the Philippines.

He added that it may not be necessary to charge Misuari in court for illegal entry since he was going to be sent back.