Muhammad Rizalman to be sent back to New Zealand - Wisma Putra

Malaysia is currently making arrangements to send back to New Zealand, Second Warrant Officer Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, a former defence staff assistant at the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington to face burglary and sex charges.

“Malaysia and New Zealand are discussing the required legal procedures to enable this to be done according to the applicable international and domestic laws,” said Wisma Putra in a statement.

Both countries are committed to ensure that the arrangement to hand over Muhammad Rizalman to New Zealand authorities is handled in a tactful manner, seamless and in accordance with the due process of law and respecting his fundamental rights, said the statement.

The diplomat faced charges of burglary and assault with intent to commit rape after he was arrested for allegedly following a 21-year-old woman from a bus stop to her house and attacking her on May 9.

The father of three was said to have broken into her house and undressed her but the woman had allegedly fought off Muhammad Rizalman and neighbours had gone to her aid.

He was charged in court on May 10 but after claiming diplomatic immunity, Muhammad Rizalman was brought back to Malaysia in the same month.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key had expressed his preference for the diplomat to be tried under New Zealand's law but Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman has insisted for the accused to be investigated here first. A Mindef board of inquiry has been established for the probe.