Rizalman pleads not guilty in New Zealand
A former Malaysian embassy personnel pleaded not guilty to indecent assault on a New Zealand woman.
A former Malaysian embassy personnel pleaded not guilty to indecent assault on a New Zealand woman.
According to a report in Television New Zealand (TVNZ), Muhammad Rizalman Ismail will be facing a trial by jury in the High Court in Wellington later this year and a hearing to consider pre-trial matters has been set down for August.
In November last year, Muhammad Rizalman had also pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting 21-year-old Tania Billingsley with intent to rape her at her home in the same Wellington suburb where Malaysia's High Commission is located.
Muhammad Rizalman could be jailed up to 10 years upon conviction.
The 38-year-old was extradited to New Zealand last month after leaving the country under diplomatic immunity when first charged in May.
New Zealand had applied for his extradition on Oct 3.
The criminal charge made against Muhammad Rizalman 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," Mohd Zaidi said.
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