Diplomatic Fallout

[Anchor Lead]

On the diplomatic front, Malaysia and North Korea are increasingly at odds over the assassination of Kim Jong-nam. The situation is quickly deteriorating for the two countries that once enjoyed relatively close ties.

[Pkg]

Senior Malaysian government officials and politicians are one after another condemning North Korea. The level of their remarks is also intensifying. On Sunday, Malaysian media cited the country's tourism and culture minister as saying that severing diplomatic ties with Pyongyang would have no effect on Malaysia. Other ministers of defense, education and trade have also supported a reexamination of relations with North Korea. Ever since Malaysia's deputy prime minister expressed intentions to review ties with the North on Friday, ministers have followed suit. Pundits speculate the Malaysian government is seriously considering this option. Local media predict that even if ties are cut, any loss to Malaysia would be minimal as North Korea is insignificant in the country's overseas trade. Malaysia has ratcheted up its response over the murder of the North Korean leader's half brother since the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in three news conferences, claimed that Malaysia is manipulating investigation results in collusion with hostile forces.