Malaysia Conveys Condolences To North Korea

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia on Monday conveyed its condolences to the government and people of North Korea on the death of its leader Kim Jong-il. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, when contacted, also expressed the hope that the new leadership of the country would continue to work towards peace in the region. North Korean state-run KCNA news agency announced Monday the country's leader Kim Jong-il had passed away on Saturday at the age of 69. The leader died of "great mental and physical strain" while in a train during a "field guidance tour on Saturday at 8.30 am (2330 GMT Friday)," the report said. -- BERNAMA Malaysia