Diplomacy best way to resolve stalemate, says Anifah

SEPANG: The efforts that went into bringing the nine Malaysians stranded in North Korea home showcased diplomacy at its best, said Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

"There can be no substitute for diplomacy, for level-headedness in dealing with such situations, and this has served Malaysia well in this instance," said the Foreign Minister.

He added that the success was not Wisma Putra's alone, but a team effort by a host of government agencies and departments.

He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for placing his trust in the Foreign Ministry to lead negotiations with North Korea.

"I hope you allow me to strike a more personal note than I would usually do," said Anifah, speaking to the press after personally welcoming back the nine Malaysians on the tarmac.

He added that he was thankful that all of the nine were returned safe and sound.

"I have always considered Wisma Putra to be a family. As Foreign Minister, I consider myself to be the head of this family," he said.

The nine were the remaining Malaysian diplomatic staff in North Korea and their families, comprising Malaysia's counsellor to North Korea Mohd Nor Azrin Md Zain, his wife Iza Karmila Ramli and their children Annur Zulaikha, Aynur Zhafirah and Ayscha Zinnirah, personal assistant to the ambassador Noor Saaidah Jamaludin, administrative assistant Nirmala Malar Kodi Singaram and two others.

Anifah said that Kim Jong-nam's body had been sent back to North Korea as per his family's request.

He added that travel restrictions on North Koreans leaving the country had been lifted.

He also ensured that investigations into the murder of Jong-nam would continue in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.