MARCH 7 — The assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un, at KLIA2 has evolved into a diplomatic storm between Malaysia and the reclusive regime.

Following the announcement by deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to cancel the visa exemption facility extended to North Korean citizens with effect from March 6, the foreign ministry took a further step by announcing the expulsion of North Korean ambassador Kang Chol, who has been given 48 hours to leave the country.

The tough stand of the Malaysian government is attributed to the envoy’s continued criticisms against the government. Pyongyang has itself to blame for the downgraded bilateral relations.

After Kim Jong-nam’s assassination on February 13, Kang has on several occasions hit out at the Malaysian police and disrupted their professional investigation. He even hosted a press conference alleging Malaysia of colluding with South Korea. Such defamatory remarks have been highly unbecoming of a diplomat.

After the foreign ministry recalled the Malaysian envoy in Pyongyang and sought an apology over Kang’s baseless allegations, Pyongyang has not responded. When the foreign ministry summoned Kang to meet Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, foreign ministry deputy secretary-general for bilateral affairs. Kang stayed away and did not send a representative to the meeting in a blatant show of contempt.

The Malaysian government subsequently invoked the “persona non grata” rule over Kang and expelled him from the country under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961. The measure was adopted as a counteraction against the envoy for humiliating and tainting Malaysia’s international reputation. In no way should the government allow foreigners to do anything they desire in this country. The expulsion order completely conforms to the international etiquette.

Malaysia established a diplomatic relationship with North Korea in 1973. Both countries signed an agreement in 2000 to provide their citizens visa-free entry into each other’s countries. Malaysia is the only country in the world whose citizens can enter North Korea without the need for a visa. Following the move by the Malaysian authorities to cancel visa waiver facility for North Koreans. it is widely anticipated that Pyongyang will reciprocate by doing the same against Malaysian visitors.

To North Korea, Malaysia is more than just a tourist destination; it is also an outlet for the hermit country to connect with the outside world. In the past North Korea has chosen Kuala Lumpur, US or Japan as locations for international negotiations over specific issues. It is a major loss on the part of Pyongyang for losing such a vital diplomatic base.

North Korea has been chronically isolated by the international community for carrying out experiments and launches of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles despite strong opposition from the international community. Its 44-year diplomatic relationship with Malaysia is now at stake as a consequence of its own arrogance. In the event Malaysia eventually opts to break the ties, diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries will be severed, and Pyongyang will find itself even more isolated than ever.

Kim Jong-nam’s assassination shows that Pyongyang has been acting defiantly in its own way, treating incidents taking place elsewhere as its domestic affairs in total disregard of diplomatic protocol.

Perhaps, Pyongyang should take cue from this incident to learn to respect other countries.

* This article was first published here.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.