Malaysia said today it could play a positive role in helping Thailand resolve an insurgency raging in the kingdom's south, but it would only act if a formal request was issued.

"We can only act if there is a formal request by the Thais, and the ball now is in the Thais' court and it's up to them if they want our assistance in whatever way," said Deputy Premier Najib Razak.

"It is up to them to request it, and we are only too glad to help out," he told reporters.

Malaysian state media reported on Tuesday that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had said his country could act as a mediator in the conflict that has left more than 1,900 people dead over three years.

His comments came after a two-day meeting with Thai counterpart Surayud Chulanont.

Thai Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas yesterday said foreign ministers from both nations were working out the details of the proposal, but Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram later denied this.

Formal request

Najib, when asked if Malaysia and Thailand had discussed a role for Malaysia as mediator, replied: "There is high expectation that Malaysia can play a positive role in helping the Thais to solve the problem in the south."

"There should be a formal request through the foreign office ... If there is a specific request then we can act on it," he added.

A report today said one of the insurgent groups blamed for southern Thailand's unrest had welcomed the reported offer from Malaysia to mediate between separatist groups and the Thai government.

The Patani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo) said the move was timely, but expressed concern over Thailand's commitment to talks, the New Straits Times reported.

"We are very happy with the initiative taken by Malaysia to help the people in southern Thailand, but what is worrying us is the inconsistency and mild efforts of the Thai government," Kasturi Mahkota, the group's foreign affairs officer, told the newspaper.

The region has a history of separatist violence ever since Thailand annexed it a century ago. It was previously an autonomous ethnic Malay sultanate.