Malawi envoy accepts apology over security

President Chen Shui-bian yesterday said his security officers had apologized to the Malawi ambassador for requiring him to take off his jacket during security checks.

Chen described the security measures taken by his agents from the Special Service Center (SSC) as "excessive."

The ambassador, Thengo Maloya, was among all male guests who were required to take off their coats or jackets during security checks Thursday, before being allowed into a human rights award ceremony that Chen would attend.

Maloya expressed displeasure when asked by the press to comment on the unusual security measures, that were tightened after Chen revealed that he had received a letter threatening his family with violence.

The National Security Bureau (NSB), which governs the SSC, issued a statement in which it apologized to the ambassador.

It said it would discuss with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about offering Maloya an apology.

The NSB also apologized to the Legislature for the SSC's failure to notify the parliament before its agents went there to conduct a security check Wednesday, ahead of Chen's visit slated for Saturday.

The NSB said it would re-examine its procedures for security checks and other missions to avoid a repeat of recent blunders.

The foreign ministry said Maloya had already accepted its apology.

Chen yesterday revealed that he had received yet another threat emailed from a certain "Killer in Black." But he did not disclose the letter's contents.

The president on Thursday said his family had received a letter threatening to rape his daughter and kidnap his grandson. Police said they have launched a probe.