Malaysia could expel North Korean ambassador if spat worsens: Diplomat

PETALING JAYA — Malaysia’s recall of its ambassador in Pyongyang could lead up to North Korea’s ambassador to Malaysia being expelled, a diplomat has said.

 “By recalling our ambassador in Pyongyang, we are signalling that expelling (North Korean ambassador to Malaysia) Kang (Chol) is the next stage if the situation deteriorates,” The Star quoted an unnamed diplomat as saying

“However, at this stage, we are not sure if Wisma Putra wants to go that far,” he added.

Malaysia on Monday (Feb 20) recalled for "consultations” its ambassador to Pyongyang, Mr Mohamad Nizan Mohamad, as a spat over the investigation into the murder of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's half-brother in Kuala Lumpur intensifies. 

This came after Mr Kang was summoned to the Malaysian foreign ministry for talks over the same issue.

The summoning of Mr Kang was to express displeasure at Pyongyang’s accusation of Kuala Lumpur “colluding with hostile forces” during the investigation into Kim Jong-nam’s death, said another diplomat.

 “Surely, the (North Korean) ambassador won’t dare to (say) this without his government’s endorsement,” The Star quoted the diplomat as saying.

The body of Kim Jong-Nam – assassinated on Feb 13 at a Kuala Lumpur airport – has been at the centre of the diplomatic row between North Korea and Malaysia, after Pyongyang insisted it be returned and objected to an autopsy being performed.  

But Malaysia rejected the request, saying the remains must stay in the morgue until a family member comes forward to identify them with a DNA sample. 

When asked about the implications of Wisma Putra’s moves, a former diplomat said that this depends on how the saga unfolds.

 “It also depends on how North Korea views it. They can also recall their ambassador to Malaysia and ask him to return,” he told The Star.

“That could further escalate the situation, but the question is: ‘Would they retaliate in this manner?’”

Meanwhile, Malaysian armed guards on Tuesday (Feb 21) stood watch at the hospital holding the body of Kim Jong-nam amid reports his son had come to Kuala Lumpur to claim the remains.

A convoy of four unmarked vehicles entered the Hospital Kuala Lumpur compound in the early hours of the morning, with around 30 Malaysian special forces personnel securing the area before all of them left by mid-morning.

Amid reports that Kim Jong-nam’s son is in Malaysia, Selangor police chief Abd Samah Mat told Channel NewsAsia on Tuesday that any family member doing so would be protected by the authorities.

Mr Abd Samah added that no family member has claimed the body and that his or her presence in the country would not be disclosed until necessary. AGENCIES