KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — North Korea’s act of launching a missile which landed in Japan’s economic zone should be condemned by Putrajaya, PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.
In a statement, Dr Wan Azizah, who is also the federal Opposition leader, said that the government should also consider further “diplomatic actions” it deems “appropriate” regarding the action of the reclusive state.
“The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launched on 4th July which landed in the exclusive economic zone of Japan is a deliberate act of provocation by the North Korean regime,” she said.
She said that the missile launch is proof that North Korea threatens regional and global stability.
“The Malaysian government must swiftly denounce this provocation and consider further diplomatic actions deemed appropriate, taking into consideration Malaysia's stance of "active neutrality" and in order to uphold the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN).
“Even as other nations consider tougher action in response to North Korea's aggressive posturing, Putrajaya must take the necessary steps to ensure that Malaysia is not drawn into any wider conflict that may result from this diplomatic crisis,” she added.
Putrajaya and Pyongyang’s diplomatic relations are already strained by the murder of Kim Jong-Nam, the older half brother of North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un, at an airport here in February.
The diplomatic standoff between both countries lasted for over two months, resulting in both countries recalling their diplomatic representatives from each other’s capital.
Putrajaya however recently denied claims in the Japanese media that it would stop issuing work visas for North Korean workers.
