A statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Anifah Aman in response to the press release issued by the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Malaysia relating to the death of its citizen in Malaysia.

1. On 20 February 2017, the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Malaysia issued a Press Release. The Press Release contains a list of allegations related to the investigation surrounding the death of a DPRK citizen which occurred on 13 February 2017.

2. These allegations, culled from delusions, lies and half-truths, are the basis from which the Ambassador concluded that “there could be someone else’s hand behind the investigation”, and that the “investigation by the Malaysian police is not for the clarification of the cause of the death and search of the suspect, but it is out of the political aim”.

3. When the Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on 20 February 2017, it was emphasised by the Deputy Secretary General for Bilateral Affairs that the police investigation has been done impartially without fear or favour. It was also conducted in compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations.

4. Any suggestion to the contrary is deeply insulting to Malaysia, as is the suggestion that Malaysia is in collusion with any foreign government.

5. This police investigation has been based on, and will also pursue, all leads available, including leads which go beyond, or not related to, the information provided by embassies and other entities.

6. In all civilised nations, it is the norm for cases such as these to be comprehensively investigated. It is the responsibility of the government to do so. The public also rightly demands it. It is for this reason that information has been made public as and when needed.

7. It is also customary for embassies to cooperate fully with the host government in order to ensure that the investigation is as thorough as possible, and not to impugn the credibility of the investigation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs
PUTRAJAYA
20 February 2017