‘DNA taken from Jong-nam’s child’
SEPANG: The body of the North Korean killed in klia2 on Feb 13 was conclusively identified as being that of Kim Jong-nam through DNA comparison with samples obtained from one of his children.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday reiterated Malaysia’s stand that the body was that of Jong-nam, saying that the identification process included a DNA sample comparison as well as forensic evidence.
“The inspector-general of police had earlier confirmed that the deceased was Jong-nam. I want to officially confirm it again that the body is indeed that of Jong-nam. The samples were obtained and tested in accordance with forensic procedures,” he said.
Zahid was speaking to reporters after launching the KUL VIP Access programme at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here yesterday.
However, he did not elaborate on how the authorities collected the samples.
Zahid, who is also home minister, was responding to reports that North Korean permanent representative to the United Nations Kim In-ryong had denied that the man assassinated in klia2 was the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
He placed the blame for the assassination on the United States and South Korea.
Asked about the call from some quarters to have an international inquiry into the murder of Jongnam, Zahid said he had no issues with it.
“Anyone, including North Korea and international bodies, can ask for such an inquiry. But they (North Korea) have to ask themselves whether they have listened to decisions by international bodies,” he said.
Zahid said formal negotiations between the countries began on Monday to secure the release of nine Malaysians barred from leaving Pyongyang.
Earlier, Zahid launched Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) first-ever end-to-gate and fast-track airport experience service KUL VIP Access at KLIA.
The facility makes available VIP travel for all its passengers travelling internationally.
Present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, MAHB chairman Tan Sri Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, MAHB managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat and Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi.