Prime Minister John Howard said on Monday he was concerned about ?extremist? Muslim immigrants bent on jihad, saying they were antagonistic towards Australian society.

Extreme Muslim attitudes towards women were also a problem, said Howard, repeating comments made in an interview for a new book on his 10th anniversary in power in March.

Howard?s remarks sparked criticism from leaders of Australia?s small Muslim community, which already feels under siege due to the US -led war on terrorism and recent Sydney beachside race riots against Lebanese-Australian youths.

?There is a small section of the Islamic population in Australia ? (which) because of its remarks about the jihad and remarks which indicate an extremist view ? that is a problem,? Howard told reporters on Monday.

?It is not a problem we have ever faced with other immigrant communities who become easily absorbed by Australian mainstream.? Muslims have been in Australia for more than 200 years and make up 1.5 percent of the multi-cultural 20 million population.

A number of Muslims in Australia are facing trial under new anti-terrorism laws introduced after the US attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Australia has never suffered a major terrorist attack on homesoil, but it is on heightened security, with troops committed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Howard also said some Muslim attitudes towards women were not appropriate in Australia. ?There is within some sections of the Islamic community an attitude towards women which is out of line with mainstream Australian society,? he said. He said both these issues posed a challenge to Australia?s immigration programme.

Howard?s original remarks in which he said some Muslims were ?raving on about jihad were made in December, just days before violent incidents rocked Sydney?s Cronulla beach.