Malaysia mulling to close embassy in N. Korea

Muzliza Mustafa Muzliza Mustafa Updated 6 years ago · Published on 30 Oct 2017 4:30PM · 2 Comments

Prime Minister Najib Razak speaking in Parliament during the question and answer session today. Najib says the government is considering to close down the Malaysian embassy in North Korea due to growing concerns over its nuclear programme and ballistic missile tests. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, October 30, 2017.

THE Malaysian government is considering to close its embassy in North Korea due to growing safety and security concerns in the Asia Pacific region, said Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Najib said the intention was relayed to US President Donald Trump during a working trip to Washington DC last month.

He said Trump shared the same concern over North Korea’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile tests.

“I have stated that Malaysia has taken steps to comply with all UN resolutions related to the North Korean threats including by reducing the number of North Korean diplomatic officers,” said Najib told MPs in Parliament today.

He said the government is also reconsidering its relationship with North Korea including on diplomatic, political and economic grounds and moving accreditation of Beijing.

“Malaysia currently has introduced visas for North Korean citizens entry into the country,” he said.

Relations between Malaysia and North Korea have been tense since the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the elder brother of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on February 13.

Jong-nam died after his face was smeared with VX nerve agent by two women at the departure hall of KLIA 2.

His death caused tension between the two countries and North Korea accused Malaysia of being in cohorts with other countries to defame North Korea.

The hermit state, through its ambassador Kang Chol, was vocal in his criticisms against Malaysia. He was then declared persona non grata and asked to leave Malaysia within 48 days.

Malaysia also banned North Koreans from leaving the country which prompted Pyongyang to do the same order against Malaysians in North Korea.

Malaysia also revoked the privilege of visa-free travel for North Koreans. – October 30, 2017.

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Comments

  • Thats a good idea to close down the embassy in DPRK, but its more brilliant to shut down 50% of Malaysias Embassies and High Comm in certain part of the world in line of saving taxpayers money and make a more holistic approac1 in foreign affairs. Malaysia certainly do not need to have an embassy and a consulate in one country for instance, theres a need to relook in our presence in a foreign land. Throw away the old school approach and introduce a more presentable and cost effective mechanism in our international dealings. Even a simple idea of merging Wisma Putra, MITI, Mindef & KDN is one big step towards a comprehensive impact. Stand for those in those shoes, its time to buckle up and create a real revolution rather then poo poo talks.

    Posted 6 years ago by Frank Zane · Reply

  • "US enemies are Malaysia's enemies"....a killer statement made to Trump. After Iraq, Syria, super power US is planning to invade Iran. Is Iran...a Muslim country Malaysia's enemy? Please revise our foreign policy....and this goes to zMalaysoa Foreign Ministry to bravely correct what is wrong to right. Don't compromise peace.

    Posted 6 years ago by Budaq Kampong · Reply