(AFP) Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad today said a report of a murder plot against him could present a negative impression of the country and cause adverse economic implications.

Mahathir said news of the apparent assassination plot gave foreigners the impression that Malaysia was infested with terrorists who could make anyone their target.

"This is not the situation in Malaysia," he was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency.

The Sun newspaper yesterday reported that police have uncovered a plot to kill the 76-year-old leader and his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The newspaper said the "hit" on Mahathir would take place "in a month or two".

Bernama said the newspaper's chief news editor Robert Ho was summoned to see the Home Ministry's Secretary-General Aseh Che Mat over the article.

No informed

Mahathir yesterday said he was unaware of the murder plot.

"I do not have any information on this. Normally if there is anything serious, the police will inform me," he said.

"I do not think there is anything serious about it," Mahathir told reporters after attending a Christmas celebration.

Mahathir told reporters today that he was saddened that there were "people sensationalising news that can have repercussions on the economy", saying the police should have first been informed of the plot.

Malaysia's stock market on today recorded no immediate reactions to the report, with dealers saying there was no great sense of caution among investors in the wake the report.

Mahathir had earlier predicted a slow global economy recovery due to economic uncertainties and worldwide concern over travel.

Last week Mahathir said Malaysia would post modest economic growth of 0.5 to 1.0 percent in 2001, down from earlier projections of 1.0 to 2.0 percent.

Malaysia last plunged into recession in 1998 amid the Asian financial crisis, but it rebounded the following year and recorded a heady 8.5 percent growth last year.