MALAYSIA GOVT EXPELS NORTH KOREAN ENVOY

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia said it expelled North Korea’s ambassador on Saturday for refusing to apologise for his strong accusations over Malaysia’s handling of the investigation into the killing of the North Korean leader’s half brother.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said a notice was sent to the North Korean Embassy, declaring Ambassador Kang Chol persona non grata.

The notice said that Kang must leave Malaysia within 48 hours.

Earlier in the week, Malaysia demanded that North Korea formally apologise for Kang’s accusations over the investigation into the February 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur’s airport, including that “the Malaysian government had something to hide and that Malaysia has colluded with outside powers to defame” North Korea.

Anifah said that no apology had come and none appeared forthcoming, and that North Korean Embassy officials also failed to turn up for a Saturday meeting at the foreign ministry, so Malaysia decided to expel the ambassador.

“It should be made clear — Malaysia will react strongly against any insults made against it or any attempt to tarnish its reputation,” Anifah said.

Kang’s expulsion came just days after Malaysia said it would scrap visa-free entry for North Koreans and expressed concern over the use of the nerve agent. Anifah had said this was an “indication of concern that Malaysia may have been used for illegal activities”.