Tensions rise between DPRK, Malaysia over death of Kim Jong-Nam

World Today

MALAYSIA PRESSER

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s ambassador unleashed a stream of accusations against Malaysia including that it was purposely delaying the release of the body, was releasing misinformation aiming to tarnish the DPRK and colluding with hostile foreign powers.

Predictably, Malaysia’s foreign ministry reacted Monday morning by summoning the ambassador for a reprimand.

CGTN’s Rian Maelzer reports from Kuala Lumpur.

Follow Rian Maelzer on Twitter @rdamael

The foreign ministry said that it views the DPRK ambassador’s allegations as baseless, takes seriously any unfounded attempt to tarnish the country’s reputation and that it recalled Malaysia’s ambassador in Pyongyang for consultations, a common form of diplomatic protest.

But hours after the meeting, the under-pressure ambassador if anything went even further.

“As far as all the happenings clearly show that this incident is politicized by Malaysia in collusion with South Korea, we officially inform Malaysia and the international community that we suggest a joint investigation on this incident for its clear clarification, “said Kang Chol, DPRK ambassador to Malaysia.

Kang Chol accused Malaysia’s deputy prime minister of falsely reporting that the DPRK embassy had confirmed the deceased was Kim Jong-Nam. He ridiculed police arguments that they needed to get next of kin to provide DNA samples and demanded to be able to interview the two women suspected of attacking the victim.

“To date, we have been respecting the Malaysian police and waiting with patience for the fair and accurate investigation result. On the contrary, they pinned the suspicion on us and targeted the investigation against us,” said Chol.

After this latest outburst, Malaysia may consider expelling the DPRK ambassador.