ATM sends two personnel to accompany Rizalman to NZ

The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) has sent two officers to accompany former defence staff assistant at the Malaysian High Commission in New Zealand, Second Warrant Officer Muhammad Rizalman Ismail to the New Zealand capital in connection to a case of burglary and assault.

Armed Forces Chief Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said Muhammad Rizalman was sent back to Wellington to face the charge in court there.

Zulkifeli said that his ministry was constantly monitoring the case and gave its full cooperation.

"According to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry Friday, the ministry will cooperate with the Attorney General's Office in this matter," he told reporters after officiating the Maal Hijrah 1436H/2014M Carnival at the Khalid Al-Walid Mosque here Friday.

Zulkifeli however refused to elaborate further as it could affect investigations into the case.

Muhammad Rizalman, 38, was detained by New Zealand police on May 9 and brought to court the following day to face charges of house break-in and sexual assault with intention to rape a 21-year-old woman.

He and his family were flown back to Malaysia on May 22, and the Defence Ministry immediately launched an investigation into the case.