Any Australian military action against terrorists on his territory would lead to war, the Malaysian prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, said yesterday.
Dr Mahathir joined the outrage across South-East Asia over remarks by John Howard, the Australian prime minister, hinting that he was willing to sanction pre-emptive strikes against terrorists in neighbouring states.
Dr Mahathir said: "We will hold this as an attempt to wage war against the government and the country if Australia pursues its intention to attack any country to tackle terrorism. We will take action according to our country's laws."
He appeared to brush aside Mr Howard's attempts to limit the row. The Australian leader had said his words were not directed at Australia's "friends in neighbouring countries".
For years, Australia has been seeking to redefine itself as a multicultural nation and to improve relations with its Asian neighbours. Critics said Mr Howard had put all that at risk.
October's terrorist attack in Bali, which killed at least 82 Australians, caused Canberra to reassess its security and to worry about the presence of extremist groups in neighbouring states.
Suspected Indonesian terrorist leaders are known to have travelled frequently to Australia, and may have attempted to set up a unit there.
But any hint that Australia might act as a regional policeman has heightened prickly sensitivities. Syed Hamid Albar, Malaysia's foreign minister, said: "Australia must think itself a big power, so they are talking the language of a big power.
"So if they're talking that language, maybe we find it difficult to understand if they want to be part of an Asian community."
Other states in the region were equally furious. The Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand all added their voices to the condemnation.
Oh and just so you know, Bush gave his approval of Australia's new policy of thinking about rooting out terrorists in that area.
