Good Ri-ddance to him, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Deported North Korean chemist Ri Jong-chol has been blacklisted from entering Malaysia, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“He entered the country with the intention to work with a company, but police investigations showed he did not work there.

“Instead, he got involved in activities which the Malaysian Government never approved of ... we do not want such elements in our country,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid.

“He is an undesirable visitor to our country and therefore not welcome in Malaysia.

“He was only released because there wasn’t enough evidence to charge him with murder but I can confirm that this case is not closed.

“More people will be brought to court over this case.”

Dr Ahmad Zahid also warned North Korean diplomats who have been issuing strongly provocative statements against Malaysia that they would pay a heavy price if they continued with their attacks.

The Home Minister said that as diplomats, they should be aware that accusing Malaysia of conspiring with other countries was not good for relations.

“The North Korean diplomats who are either here or in international organisations should not consider Malaysia like the countries which they have bullied,” he said at a press conference after launching the Felda Youth Council annual general meeting at a hotel here.

Dr Ahmad Zahid added that Malaysia’s patience had its limits.