MANILA - Former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales on Friday said he didn't show up at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) because he didn't get a formal invitation.

"I don't know where they're getting their story and I didn't know I was expected in the NBI today. I have read it in the papers and I was really waiting for the summons but I haven't received any," he told ANC.

The NBI earlier said it will investigate Gonzales over reports that he is part of an alleged conspiracy behind the move by followers of self-styled Sulu Sultan Jamal Kiram III to press their claim on Sabah, Malaysia.

Gonzales was national security adviser during the Arroyo administration.

In the interview, Gonzales said he was probably linked to the alleged conspiracy because of his closeness to Kiram.

He said that during martial law, he used to sleep at Kiram's house.

"He's like a brother to me. So probably that's one reason why they're including me in this so-called conspiracy," he said.

Gonzales said he did not discuss the Sabah conflict when he visited Kiram in Maharlika village.

"During my visit, we just exchanged pleasantries, recalled old times but that was it. I didn't touch on the issue. I didn't touch on the issue because it's a serious issue and it cannot be discussed on a first visit," he said.

"This is an issue that has long been put aside and I think this development should put it back into the light," he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia said the Philippine government has committed to work closely with Malaysian authorities to flush out Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and his men from Lahad Datu and nearby areas.

Malaysia's Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid said the commitment was relayed by his Philippine counterpart, Voltaire Gazmin, during a visit to Putrajaya, Thursday.

Zahid said both Malaysia and the Philippines are cooperating in looking into the alleged conspiracy in the Sabah crisis.