DON'T be snide, don't gossip about the ambassador's wife and make sure your toilets are spotless: such are the ground rules for being a good diplomatic wife, Malaysia's Foreign Ministry says.

It released a book Friday containing that advice and more entitled "Useful Tips for the Diplomat's Wife."

Penned by Sharifah Aziah Syed Zainal Abidin, the wife of Malaysia's foreign minister, the book offers tips on how to conduct oneself as well as on palace protocol and the role of an ambassador's wife.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said his wife was inspired to write the guide after years of serving beside him.

"Take good care of your house," one page reads. "Maintain a clean home and pay extra attention to your toilet/bathroom/powder room and the kitchen. This is yours and your country's image."

Do not complain

Another advises: "When your husband is posted to a difficult post, support him and do not give him unnecessary stress by complaining about the place.

"Wives should be happy to be with their husband and their children wherever they are assigned."

The book, which is for circulation among Malaysia's diplomatic corps, also says a wife should be prepared to set aside her own professional goals for the sake of her husband.

"While her career is important, some sacrifices are also required for those working wives," it says.

The author has also included tips on royal palace protocol such as "Do not speak unless spoken to" and "Do not sit cross-legged."

However, asked whether there were any plans for a similar book on the role of diplomats' husbands, Syed Hamid replied: "Maybe we should rename the book and replace wife with spouse instead, but I think not many husbands would want to be in that role."