Abim joins calls for severing ties with North Korea

An Islamic NGO joined calls for the government to sever diplomatic ties with North Korea over the current row following the death of Kim Jong-nam.

“Our call follows the slew of outrageous statements issued by the North Korean ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol.

“His statement questioning our investigation on the murder of Kim Jong-nam and linking us certain foreign parties is completely disrespectful the sensitivity and national sovereignty,” said Abim president Mohamad Raimi Ab Rahim.

Their statement follows similar calls by both PKR Youth and BN Youth, among others.

Abim called North Korea an “extremist” country that “constantly causes excessive provocation that threatens international political stability”.

“In addition, North Korea has a terrible human rights record that is not consistent with universal aspirations (in the development of democracy and awareness of human rights),” he said.

Mohamad Raimi said North Korea's reputation merits a review of diplomatic relations.

“Cutting ties with North Korea has positive value, and will not bring about any loss to the country either from the economic or political aspect.”

Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and North Korea had been strained since the beginning of the investigation on Jong-nam's death.

Previously, Kang Chol was reported as saying Malaysia was trying to hide something and was in cahoots with Pyongyang's enemies in the murder case.

The Malaysian government rubbished the baseless allegation by the ambassador.

On Feb 13, Jong-nam, the elder half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was at the KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2) at 8am to catch a flight to Macau when he was attacked by two women who suddenly appeared before him and wiped his face with their hands which contained poisonous liquid.

Jong-nam, who carried a passport bearing the name Kim Chol, died on the way to Putrajaya Hospital.- Mkini