Three-nation crack unit needed to fight terrorism, says Ramos

More must be done to prevent attacks, former Philippines president warns

Efforts by Southeast Asian governments to prevent another Bali-style bombing have been criticised as inadequate by experts and even a former leader, who have put forward their own suggestions.

Scores of alleged Muslim extremists, including the suspected leaders of the regional terrorism group Jemaah Islamiah, have been arrested since the attacks last October 12. But researchers agree growing Islamic fundamentalism since the American-led war in Iraq has increased the risks.

Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos last week outlined a plan he said had already won written approval from his country's leader, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It calls on the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to each provide 50 of their best intelligence, security and military personnel for a 150-strong force to uncover and prevent terrorist attacks.

Mr Ramos said during a visit to Hong Kong that an agreement signed by the three nations to share intelligence was insufficient and that his proposal would complete the arrangement. The taskforce would have permission to operate in each of the countries.

'It would be able to pre-empt, prevent or instantly mitigate any actual threat in the region of Southeast Asia,' he said.

Mrs Arroyo was consulting defence, intelligence and security officials and would formally propose the idea to the leaders of Indonesia and Malaysia. If approved, Singapore and Thailand could join later.