Accused Malaysian diplomat deported to NZ to face trial

The Malaysian defence envoy, Muhammad Rizalman Ismail has been deported to New Zealand to face trial for his allegations on burglary and assault charges.

Rizalman, a former second warrant officer at the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, was escorted by two New Zealand policemen and two officers from the Malaysian Armed Forces while onboard.

The Star Online reported that a Wisma Putra spokesperson said, “he was escorted by two police officers from New Zealand, along with two Defence Ministry personnel - which is Mr Rizalman's Ministry.”

Rizalman departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) boarding the MH133 at 8.55 am earlier today (Friday) and is expected to arrive later in the evening in New Zealand.

Rizalman, who first appeared in court in Wellington in May this year on charges of burglary and assault with intent to rape Tania Bilingsley, 21, was escorted into the plane without handcuffs.

He will be facing the charges in a New Zealand court in Wellington at about 10.30 am on Saturday.

The former diplomat returned to Malaysia on May, 22.

Rizalman who allegedly broke into Tanya’s residence in the vicinity of Wellington suburb where Malaysia's High Commission is located, has reportedly expressed his wish to voluntarily return to New Zealand.