Najib checks on well-being of remaining nine

PETALNG JAYA: The nine remaining Malaysians in North Korea received moral support from Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who made a long distance call to the Malaysian embassy in Pyongyang to check on their well-being.

In the three-minute phone call, the Prime Minister spoke to Malaysia’s counsellor at the embassy Mohd Nor Azrin Md Zain.

A video of Najib speaking to him was uploaded by Bernama News Channel on its Facebook page.

“How are your family members doing? We are trying our best to get all Malaysians back safely,” Najib was heard telling Mohd Nor Azrin.

Mohd Nor Azrin, the ambassador’s personal assistant Noor Saa­idah Jamaludin, administrative assistant Nirmala Malar Kodi Singa­ram and six of their family members are still in the embassy.

The Prime Minister later wrote about his phone conversation on his Facebook page, saying he was thankful that Mohd Nor Azrin, his family members and other Malaysians were all safe.

“I have just gotten off the phone with Encik Mohd Nor Azrin, counsellor at the Malaysian Embassy in North Korea.

“I would like to update that he, his family along with all of the other Malaysians in North Korea are safe, Alhamdulillah,” he wrote.

Najib gave his assurance that the Government would do everything to ensure they could return home safely soon.

“The whole of Malaysia is praying for them.”

Najib said although the Malay­sians were not allowed to leave the country, they were assured of their safety and free to go about their daily lives.

“The Government will continue to work on reaching the best solution on this issue. Let us all pray for the best.”

On Tuesday, North Korea barred all Malaysian citizens from leaving the reclusive country.

Hours later, Najib announced a similar restriction, preventing all North Koreans from leaving Ma­lay­sia.