KUALA LUMPUR (BERNAMA) - Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Friday (Feb 24) instructed the foreign ministry to assess Malaysia's diplomatic ties with North Korea.

This follows the recent "less-than-diplomatic" remarks by North Korean ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol, claiming that Malaysia was in cohorts with Pyongyang's enemies in the murder case of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"We leave our diplomatic ties to the Foreign Ministry to carry out an assessment and present to the Cabinet to decide.

"We hope it can be maintained...but at the same time, respect the laws of our country and respect the professionalism of our experts," he said in response to Kang Chol's allegations about the investigation process conducted by Malaysia.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, was speaking after a working visit to the Sungai Ruan Cure and Care Drug Addicts Rehabilitation Centre.

At a press conference at Wisma Putra on Friday, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman slammed Kang for being "delusional".

"The ambassador has been informed of the process of the law, but he continues to be delusional and still makes accusations against our Government," Anifah said.

Anifah also issued a thinly-veiled warning to Pyongyang, saying that Malaysia expects its friendly approach to be reciprocated, he told.

"The ambassador must understand and realise the intent and feelings of not only the Government but also the people of Malaysia.

"As the ambassador to Malaysia, (he) should realise that he must enjoy the confidence of the Government of Malaysia," Anifah said at a press briefing ahead of Saudi Arabia ruler King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud's state visit to Malaysia this Sunday.