Criminal case against diplomat first case in Mindef history

The criminal charge made against a former Defence Staff Assistant at the Malaysian High Commission in New Zealand is the first in the Defence Ministry's history involving its officer abroad.

Former Armed Forces chief, General (R) Tan Sri Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said this was because members of the country's security forces were well-trained for their respective job.

"This is one of the unique cases involving misconduct and discipline because from the time they join the armed forces, there are various courses and training they have to attend.

"In these training and courses, members and officers are informed of the action should they fail to carry out their duties and responsibilities, including non compliance with stipulated regulations.

"That is why the defence members are known as the most disciplined members of uniformed bodies in the world," he told Bernama here Friday. He was commenting on a case involving Second Warrant Officer Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, a former Defence Staff Assistant at the Malaysian High Commission in New Zealand, who was charged with house breaking and sexual assault with intent to commit rape.

Muhammad Rizalman, 38, was arrested in New Zealand last May 9 and was brought to the court the following day to face the charges.

On July 1, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman told a media conference that Muhammad Rizalman and his family returned to Malaysia on May 22, with the agreement of the New Zealand side.

Mohd Zahidi said the case should be brought before the military court as Muhammad Rizalman was not a civilian.

"In any country, if it involves a soldier being charged, the military court is the option," he added.

Another former chief of the armed forces, but who declined to be identified, said throughout his service, he had never come across such a case and described it as unusual and surprising.

"But I believe, the case can be made a reference if it happened again in future, in terms of immediate action, investigation, etc," he added.

He also believed the Defence Ministry had its own way of handling the case.

"Normally, it will go to court martial. It is the most appropriate compared with the normal court. However, it is up to the ministry.

"There are several internal actions which can also be used, this depends on the case. Normally, in disciplinary cases, the action is suspension from work, salary or termination of service," he added.

On the rights of the army personnel involved, he said, a good lawyer should have been appointed to handle his case.