Remarks warranted drastic action

Please install a lift for the elderly at KTM station

THE drastic response by the Government in recalling the Malaysian ambassador to North Korea for consultations, and summoning Pyongyang’s envoy to Kuala Lumpur, is justifiable and in accordance with international law and protocol, especially with regards to diplomatic and foreign relations.

The North Korean ambassador, Kang Chol, had made recent remarks on the killing of Kim JongNam, the older half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, in Malaysia

The ambassador had reportedly alleged that the Malaysian Government had a hidden agenda and that it had colluded with external powers in handling the death of the victim.

Such baseless comments are unwelcome and deserving of the drastic action taken by our Government.

The death of the victim should not be ignored, nor can it be taken lightly as it happened on Malaysian soil. The incident has thrown a light on the country’s reputation and has a bearing on our national security.

Any criminal activity which occurs in this country should be properly and thoroughly investigated according to our rules and procedures.

The authorities should be allowed to conduct their investigations accordingly and bring the perpetrator to justice according to our laws.

Foreign leaders must know that every country has their own laws and due processes to be followed and they must respect them.

Instead of making unhelpful remarks about the issue, North Korea should be more constructive and assist the local authorities in their investigations into the incident.

Any disruption will certainly undermine the investigation process and further delay the return of the body to the victim’s country.

The assassination has also raised questions over security at the airport. Security at all our airports should be tightened.

We must not forget that we are still involved in the global war against terror and militant extremists whose brutality recognises no boundaries and who target the public in their cruel and inhuman actions.

Last year, deadly attacks at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul saw more than 40 people killed and over 200 wounded.

To prevent similar incidents from happening here, our airport security should now be at the highest level.

Security checkpoints should be set up inside and at the entrances to our airports to prevent terrorists and other criminals from entering and causing harm.

In the fight against crime and terrorism, everyone has a role to play. People must instantly report any suspicious activities that could lead to acts of crime or terror to the authorities. DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW Faculty of Syariah & Law Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia I AM a senior citizen who frequently travels by train from Tanjong Malim to KL Sentral. I then take the Kelana Jaya train to KL Gateway University. From there, I hop on to a T790 Rapid KL Bus to University Hospital.

At KL Sentral, there are escalators and in KL Gateway University LRT there is a lift for the elderly, pregnant and physically disabled commuters.

In Tanjong Malim, the pedestrian bridge is very high and has neither escalator nor lift to help one to get to the opposite platform. I shudder every time I use the bridge as I have to pull myself up with the railings.

Going down, I have to hang on to the railing, slowly put a foot down on one step and then follow with the other foot. I have to repeat this until I reach the end of the stairs.

Some kind people have offered to hold my hand but I have I declined because it is my legs that need help.

Tanjong Malim also has many college and university students and during long semester breaks, one can see them lugging large, heavy bags up and down the bridge and panting upon coming down.

I urge KTM to have mercy on the elderly, disabled and wheelchair-bound commuters and spare a thought for the students too by installing a lift at this station as soon as possible. TAN CHOOI KEE Tanjong Malim, Perak