Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Sunday he was opposed to the suspension of Pakistan from the Commonwealth, saying he had wanted to give President Pervez Musharraf more time.

Speaking at a news conference at a summit of Commonwealth leaders in Uganda, he said: "We wanted the suspension to be delayed. In anticipation of the election President Musharraf could take certain steps that would help the situation in Pakistan and bring about a return to law and democracy."

"But we have to go along with the decision."

Commonwealth foreign ministers suspended Pakistan on Thursday from the 53-nation grouping of mostly former British colonies after it failed to meet a 10-day deadline to repeal emergency rule.

Malaysia was one of nine countries represented on the Commonwealth committee that decided on the move. The others were Britain, Canada, Lesotho, Malta, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, St Lucia and Tanzania.

Sri Lanka has also said it was opposed to the move.

Abdullah also said he was "a bit disappointed" that Commonwealth leaders did not agree to recommend binding cuts in harmful emissions to next month's climate change conference in Bali.

His country had been hoping for "something specific" from the leaders.

"There has to be an acceptance of some kind of responsibility to achieve some measures ... We have to do our bit."

He added that at Bali he would like to see developed countries "take a lead role" in reducing emissions but that it was acceptable to Malaysia and other developing nations that they also have to act.

Some Commonwealth nations, led by Britain, pushed for the summit to send a recommendation that that binding emissions cuts be agreed in the Indonesian resort.

But others, reportedly led by Canada and Australia -- at least under the outgoing government -- oppose binding cuts if they fail to include all countries, most notably economic powerhouse China.

As a result the federation sent what its secretary general Don McKinnon called a "very strong political message" to leaders in Bali.

Abdullah said he expected "very very difficult" negotiations in the Indonesian resort.

"Already in the family of the Commonwealth, it is very difficult," he said.