Rally behind govt over diplomatic row with North Korea — LDP

KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) chief publicity officer Albert Kok urged the people to rally behind the government amid the worsening diplomatic row with North Korea, with the hope that Malaysian citizens currently in North Korea would return home safely.

Kok expressed shock over North Korea’s decision on March 7 to ban Malaysians from leaving the country.

He said the act not only violated all international laws and diplomatic norms, but also tantamount to threatening the lives of Malaysians in North Korea.

Kok said Malaysia had always been a peace-loving nation and strived to maintain friendly ties with all countries.

“North Korea’s ban against Malaysians from leaving the country is an unfriendly move by the country.

“This does not bode well for the diplomatic relations between both countries,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

Following the ban, Kok said Malaysia’s Home Ministry reacted by announcing a temporary prohibition on North Koreans in Malaysia from leaving the country.

“It was an immediate reaction to ensure citizens of both nations could return to their home countries safely.

“This may not be the best strategy, but it was done to make sure Malaysians in North Korea remain safe,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kok pointed out that some netizens and opposition parties had criticized the government’s decision to keep North Korean citizens in the country and even accused the government of being uncivilized.

“Some even suggested that Malaysia should launch an attack on North Korea.

“All these extreme remarks and criticisms will not help our country in solving the problem.

“All Malaysian citizens should be united in the face of a national crisis.”

Kok also expressed support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for condemning North Korea for holding our citizens hostage in the country.

He hoped that the Federal Government could swiftly come up with an amicable solution so that Malaysians in North Korea could return home as soon as possible.

He said the killing of Kim Kong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, did not involve Malaysians.

“It was unfortunate that the incident happened in Malaysia, even so, North Korea should not take revenge on our country and people.” Kok said Jong Nam’s autopsy and release of the body should be done according to the law of our country.

“North Korea should respect our law and observe the diplomatic procedures in handling this matter, rather than resorting to this unreasonable approach, which will ultimately severe the diplomatic relations between both countries.”