Kim Jong Nam murder: Malaysia DPM Zahid tells North Korea to respect Malaysia's sovereignty

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. PHOTO: THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK

BANDUNG (Bernama) - North Korea should respect the sovereignty of Malaysian laws in the investigation into Kim Jong Nam's assassination, says Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He added that the government of North Korea must not question the credibility of the investigation conducted by the Malaysian police.

"We respect the culture and rights of a person and at the same time, we adhere to the practice of diplomacy and the international diplomatic process," Dr Ahmad Zahid told Malaysian journalists in Bandung on the sidelines of a forum held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on Wednesday.

Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was killed by two women who splashed his face with a chemical at the KLIA 2 departure hall at about 9am on Feb 13. He was about to leave for Macau.

The North Korean embassy in KL has made increasingly strident accusations that Malaysia is conspiring with its enemies to pin the blame for the murder on Pyongyang.

This has led to strongly worded exchanges and the recall of Malaysia's ambassador from the secretive North-east Asian country.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said on Wednesday the laws of a country must be respected, saying this was practiced by Malaysia.

"We also respect the laws of other countries if it is found that Malaysians are involved in criminal activities and have committed crimes relating to the laws of that country," added Dr Ahmad Zahid.

He said that Malaysia did not have any hidden agenda with any foreign or neighbouring countries as the Malaysian police have also requested Interpol's cooperation regarding the case.

"We leave it to the police and if there is evidence, those interrogated will be brought to court," he said.

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