It is Malaysia’s misfortune to have witnessed the death of Kim Jong-nam, the elder half-brother of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un, on its soil. Choice or expedience is academic, for Malaysia is now embroiled in Pyongyang’s accusations of complicity or “colluding with outside forces” in what appears on the closed-circuit television (CCTV) of klia2 as murder. Jong-nam was believed to have been poisoned. Assassination or not, only time will tell, although the identities of those involved are already known. Two alleged female perpetrators are under police detention. Police are searching for another three suspects, while the alleged masterminds, the four North Korean nationals, have fled.
The diplomatic row started when the North Korean authorities attempted to claim Jong-nam’s remains without authorisation from the victim’s immediate family, notwithstanding that the North Korean leader is the deceased’s half-brother. Reportedly, Pyongyang’s move is to prevent a post-mortem from being performed, a fair assumption given its untoward reaction. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that there has been foul play and that puts the Malaysian police squarely into the picture as investigators. The country’s law requires that, given the evidence, an investigation be conducted. Therefore, whatever Pyongyang may believe, exceptions cannot be accommodated. This reluctance to oblige Pyongyang is what brought on the accusations of complicity.
Relations between countries cannot be whimsical; and standard protocol, intended to facilitate, should be adhered to. Malaysia has recalled its ambassador to Pyongyang for consultations, and Wisma Putra has summoned the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur to explain his criticism of the country. It must be noted that Malaysia is one of a few countries that maintain diplomatic relations with North Korea. It is a shame then that this fact has been pointedly ignored and diplomacy shoved aside. Instead, the ambassador has preferred to antagonise Wisma Putra.
It is only normal for Malaysia to be on the defensive, for its laws are being questioned. One wonders why Pyongyang is taking such an illogical stance by denying Malaysia its right to conduct a fair and just investigation. There is no reason for Malaysia to paint North Korea in a bad light. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, “our police and doctors are very professional” and that “we will be objective and we expect them to understand that we apply the rule of law in Malaysia”. It is fair to say that one cannot expect any different and Malaysia must take it in its stride. There is no reason to compromise the country’s integrity and sovereignty for the sake of maintaining good relations when there is no compunction on the part of the other party to insult. Malaysia cannot back down or be intimidated. A serious crime has been committed on Malaysian soil in a public area. The outcome of a transparent investigation is paramount if the country is to maintain its reputation as a safe destination for all, but criminals.