Malaysia says Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for war crimes, will not be attending a three day economic forum starting Sunday.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman told state owned Bernama TV late Wednesday that Mr.Bashir will skip the Langkawi International Dialogue because of other pressing engagements.

Wednesday's announcement follows mounting pressure from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for Malaysia to rescind the invitation or arrest Mr. Bashir on outstanding warrants from the International Criminal Court.

Malaysia is not a member of the ICC but has expressed its intention to join.

The ICC issued warrants for the Mr.Bashir's arrest on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in his country's western Darfur region. He is the first head of state to be targeted by an ICC warrant.