The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur today said that a recent public announcement from the State Department for Americans visiting Sabah's resort islands to exercise "extreme caution" was issued in the interests of its citizens.

"The present advisory is a downgraded version and it only tells US citizens to be careful when visiting the islands surrounding Sabah. The State Department has the responsibility to issue such statements for the welfare of its citizens," spokesperson James Warren told malaysiakini .

The April 9 statement superseded another that was issued six months ago following the kidnaps of 12 Malaysians and 12 foreigners by terrorist group Abu Sayyaf from the islands of Sipadan and Pandanan last year. It called on American travellers to avoid both islands.

All hostages have been released save a Filipino dive instructor. An American hostage was only rescued last Thursday by the Philippines military after a seven-month ordeal.

The advisory has drawn a storm of protest from a number of ministers.

Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir yesterday told reporters that he would be seeking the retraction of the advisory. Defence Minister Najib Abd Razak and Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar were among those who have also voiced their objections.

Responding to their statements, Warren, who is also senior press officer said, "It is really surprising that the United States was singled out. In the past New Zealand and Australia have issued far more severe advisories. It just doesn't make sense."

Asked if the State Department would retract the statement, Warren said that he has yet to hear of it.

"I would be surprised if the State Department in Washington DC did retract the advisory. They apply a lot of forethought before making such advisories," he added.

Free trip

Abdul Kadir was also reported to have invited [US ambassador B Lynn Pascoe] to visit Sabah to "see for himself the situation here with all expenses paid by the government".

Asked if Pascoe would be accepting the offer made by Kadir, Warren said he doesn't know and that "no formal letter has been forwarded to the ambassador yet".

Malaysiakini was also told that Pascoe would not be making any comments to the press on this matter.

Malaysia-US relations have cooled since former US vice-president Al Gore praised the reformasi demonstrators during his visit to Malaysia three years ago as "brave people", angering leaders of ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.

More frost was created recently when US Embassy staff attended a briefing given by Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail on her husband, former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's health condition.

Anwar is serving a 16-year jail term for corruption and sodomy. He has claimed that the trials are part of a high-level conspiracy to destroy his political career.