(AFP) - Malaysia will not provide detained Philipines rebel leader Nur Misuari a safe passage to a third country but instead will deport him, Defence Minister Najib Razak said.

Najib said the government would not allow Misuari to leave and seek political asylum elsewhere even if there are countries willing to accept him.

Malaysia would not budge from its stand of not according political asylum to Misuari, he was quoted as saying by Bernama in Perak today. Najib said Misuari remained in the custody of Malaysian authorities, adding that he would be deported at an appropriate time.

The country's Muslim leaders offered no sympathy for the captured Philippine rebel leader.

Misuari fled the Philippines last week after allegedly masterminding a series of attacks on security installations in the southern island of Jolo in which at least 113 people died. He was arrested last Saturday off Sabah.

He reportedly staged the revolt after Philippine President Gloria Arroyo backed a rival faction within his Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in polls for the post of governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Disrespectful action

Najib condemned Misuari for staging the alleged rebellion.

By declaring war against the Philippine government Misuari was not only disrespectful of Malaysia's efforts but was again trying to drag Filipino Muslims into fresh hostilities, he said.

"In fact we have tried to unite two opposing Muslim separatist groups to enter into a peace accord with the Philippine government to start a new era in that country.

"We do not want fighting to prolong," Najib said.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said Misuari would not be granted asylum in Malaysia, which gave him and his guerrillas sanctuary in the early 1970s.

On Monday the government said it was preparing to deport Misuari, but was studying a request by Arroyo that it put the troublesome former governor on trial for illegal entry.