Malaysia summons N.Korean envoy over Kim Jong-nam death

By P Prem Kumar

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AA) - Malaysia's Foreign Ministry has summoned the North Korean ambassador, Kang Chol, over his accusation the government had something to conceal with regard to the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

In a statement the ministry said Kang's remark was baseless and the government had recalled its ambassador in Pyongyang for consultation.

"The ambassador (Kang) insinuated that with respect to the death of a Korean national on Feb. 13, 2017 - that the Malaysian government had something to conceal.

"The ministry emphasized that as the death occurred on Malaysian soil under mysterious circumstances, it is the responsibility of the Malaysian government to conduct an investigation to identify the cause of death," the ministry said.

"The Malaysian government takes very seriously any unfounded attempt to tarnish its reputation," it added.

Kang arrived in a car bearing diplomatic plates belonging to the North Korean embassy and left after 90 minutes.

About 40 reporters and photographers were stationed outside the ministry complex in the administrative capital Putrajaya. However, Kang ignored the press pack and made a hasty exit.

Kang previously expressed disappointment in the Malaysian government over the delay in releasing the body of Kim Jong-nam, who died after an incident in Kuala Lumpur International Airport last week.

He demanded the release of the body without delay and alleged that Malaysia was trying to conceal something and collude with South Korea -- a hostile force to the North Korean regime.