Mahathir plays down murder plot reports

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Reuters) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is playing down news reports that police have uncovered a plot to assassinate him and his deputy.

"I don't have anything on that. Normally, if there is anything serious, the police will inform me," Mahathir told reporters Tuesday.

"I don't think there is anything very serious."

The local Sun newspaper, quoting unnamed sources, said Tuesday that a number of unidentified local politicians were behind the conspiracy and had hired a hitman to kill Mahathir and his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

It said police had identified the suspects and could make several arrests soon.

In office since 1981, the 76-year-old Mahathir is Asia's longest-serving elected leader.

Mahathir said local Islamic militants and extremist groups had previously called for his death.

"Of course, extremist groups have more or less indicated that's what their objective," he said.

Assassination of politicians is not common in Malaysia.

"I don't think it (assassination) is part of our culture," Mahathir said.