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Malaysia says it could arrest North Korean diplomat in Kim Jong-nam murder case

The arrest threat comes as one of female suspects in the killing said she was paid $90 for what she believed was a prank

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North Korean Embassy staff Hyon Kwang-song, who has been identified for questioning in connection with the murder of Kim Jong-nam. Photo: EPA

Malaysia said on Saturday it would issue an arrest warrant for a North Korean diplomat wanted for questioning over the murder of Kim Jong-nam if he doesn’t voluntarily cooperate with the police.

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“Reasonable” time will be given for the diplomat to come forward before police take further action, said Abdul Samah Mat, the police chief for Selangor state.

On Wednesday, Malaysia said 44-year-old Hyon Kwang-song, a second secretary at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, was wanted for questioning over the death of the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Kim Jong-nam, son of the late-North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and his half-brother, current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: AFP
Kim Jong-nam, son of the late-North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and his half-brother, current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: AFP

Samah said if the person concerned did not cooperate the police would issue a notice under Malaysian law, “compelling” them to appear before the investigation team.

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“And if he failed to turn up upon given this notice, then we will go to the next step by getting a warrant of arrest from the court,” he said.

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