Netizens defend Putrajaya’s ban order

KUALA LUMPUR: The diplomatic spat between Malaysia and North Korea has brought Malaysians together in defending the government’s stand to bar North Koreans from leaving the country.

Facebook user Ayman Rashdan Wong lashed out at keyboard warriors who criticised the government’s stand on the matter.

“There is no reason for North Korea to shoot or hurt Malaysians in Pyongyang. Kim Jong-un and his allies want to give an impression that they are crazy so they can blackmail and control our minds. This is what we call a diplomatic tussle and it will end with compromise.

“Comments from netizens over Malaysia’s stand to declare the North Korean ambassador ‘persona non grata’, saying that it was idiotic and trying to play hero, are a collective insult to the Foreign Ministry,” he wrote.

“The decision was not made by the prime minister alone. It was a joint decision by people in the ministry.

“Before you say anything, please understand how decisions are made in the government or at least educate yourself on basic principles of international law, such as reciprocity or tit for tat, as there are people who claim the barring of North Koreans is a childish act.”

User Ramesh M. Gesan said: “It’s time to stand by our leaders on this issue. Put your political remarks aside.”

Asi Malco said: “I trust police on this issue. Barricade the embassy at the outside (as per law). Secure all access points, vehicle and drainage. Post a barricade and guard post.

“Don’t let the two slip off. They will want to get out eventually. No matter how long it will take.”

On Twitter, netizens were urging everyone to pray for the safety of 11 Malaysians trapped in North Korea.

User @smilelovemore said: “This is a very serious matter. Let’s pray for the safety of Malaysia and North Korea citizens.”

User @AiEnAnOrHa said: “May Allah SWT protect MALAYSIA from any danger”, and @akmalsaufi said: “The best that we can do is to pray for the safety of our Malaysian citizens in North Korea and to not panic.”