Malaysia ready to hold talks with N. Korea
> We should not look at cutting ties, says Ahmad Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is willing to hold talks with North Korea to find an amicable solution in light of the escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia should not look at cutting ties with the republic, echoing an earlier statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak on the matter.
“Actually, their delegation is still in town, and not back yet in Pyongyang. Wisma Putra will be talking to them to resolve the matter amicably.
“Of course, (we are willing to open talks),” he said yesterday, adding that the public should wait for an official statement by Najib on the issue.
Ahmad Zahid said the government also believes that its North Korean counterparts will act rationally despite tensions between the two nations.
He said Malaysia will only be put on high alert if threats by Pyongyang escalates.
“So far, we believe they are going to act rationally. And we believe what’s important is for us to maintain our diplomatic relationship with them.
“What’s also important is the security of our citizens in Pyongyang. And I think they are also concerned with the safety of their citizens here,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid was speaking to the press at the lobby of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka after an event here yesterday.
The relationship between the two countries took a turn for the worse after the murder of Kim Jong-Nam, the estranged stepbrother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 13.