This follows the “less-than-diplomatic” remarks by North Korean ambassador to Malaysia, Kang Chol, recently, claiming that Malaysia was in cahoots with Pyongyang’s enemies in the murder case of Kim Jong Nam, the older half-brother of the country’s leader Kim Jong Un, on Feb 13.
“We leave our diplomatic ties to the foreign ministry to carry out an assessment and present it to the cabinet to decide.
“We hope it can be maintained…but at the same time, (North Korea must) respect the laws of our country and respect the professionalism of our experts,” he said.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, was speaking after a working visit to the Sungai Ruan Cure and Care Drug Addicts Rehabilitation Centre in Raub today.
The event was also attended by the state’s Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Consumerism Committee chairperson Shahiruddin Ab Moin, who represented Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and National Anti-Drug Agency director-general Abd Halim Mohd Hussin.
Umno Youth recently urged the government to review diplomatic ties with North Korea following remarks made by its leaders, including Kang Chol, that were disrespectful of Malaysia’s sovereignty.
In a press conference on Feb 17, Kang Chol claimed Malaysia “had something to conceal” and was “colluding and playing into the gallery of external forces” in the investigation into Jong Nam’s murder.
Commenting further, Zahid said Malaysia was conducting the investigations professionally without any (external) influence and was not in cahoots with any individual, organisation or third country as alleged.
“Malaysia is not a third country that breeds criminals. Malaysia is not a country that protects criminals. Malaysia is a strict country and not in cahoots with any individual, organisation or nation which does that,” he said.
“We are among the countries that are strict about these things. Don’t play reverse psychology (with us) … we do not want to be enemies with any country, but at the same time, we will also not accept accusations that we are in cahoots (with others) in this murder,” he said.
The deputy prime minister also urged the parties concerned to refrain from issuing more statements accusing Malaysia of being involved in the killing of Jong Nam and to respect the existing diplomatic ties between the two countries.
“In this matter, the diplomatic ties must be respected. Use more diplomatic language… because our PDRM (police), Health Department and Chemistry Department have acted professionally.
“Do not accuse us of working with any third country to confuse the facts,” Zahid said.