(AFP) The family of Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari has expressed concern over his safety after Malaysian authorities who are holding him have denied any access, an associate said today.

"The family wants to see him. They fear for the worst since Malaysian authorities have refused to allow any visits," Elly Pamatong, a US-based lawyer who claims to represent Misuari told AFP .

"Misuari's two wives and children are crying. Please I beg, on humanitarian grounds give his family and lawyer a chance to meet him."

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar had given assurances that Malaysia would treat Misuari with respect and dignity.

Pamatong said since Malaysian authorities had said that Misuari had not committed any crimes, they should free him when his 30-day detention period expires Monday.

Malaysia said yesterday it would continue to hold him and has fixed a new tentative date in mid-January to deport Misuari back to the Philippines.

Rallying point

Pamatong had warned of a "very bloody civil war" in the Philippines if the 60-year-old Misuari was deported back.

"Misuari will become the rallying point of all types of violent reactions coming from fanatic and non-fanatic elements of the Bangsamoro (Muslim Philippine) region," the lawyer said.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo on Friday rejected an appeal from the Organisation of Islamic Countries for Misuari to be given sanctuary in a third country and instead vowed to put him on trial for rebellion.

Misuari's followers launched an uprising in the southern Philippine island of Jolo last month in a futile attempt to derail elections that ended Misuari's five-year hold on the governorship of a Muslim self-rule region.

Misuari fled after the short-lived rebellion, and was arrested with six followers off an island in Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island on November 24.

Malaysia provided sanctuary to Misuari's separatist group, the Moro National Liberation Front in the 1970s and 80s.