Malaysian diplomatic attache Muhammad Rizalman Ismail will be sent to New Zealand in connection with the sexual assault and burglary charges against him.
Foreign Minister Anifah Aman confirmed this in a text message toMalaysiakini this evening.
The decision comes amid widespread calls for the military personnel, who was attached with the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, to be extradited to New Zealand.
Rizalman, 38, who is currently in Malaysia, has been accused of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman.
In a statement, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said the decision has been conveyed to New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully (left).
The ministry also said that it would provide "legal assistance" to Rizalman if "necessary".
"Malaysia has complete faith in the New Zealand legal system and has full confidence that Rizalman will be given fair treatment with dignity as provided under the law," it added.
According to the statement, Rizalman is being sent back to "assist in investigations".
The following is the Foreign Ministry's statement in full:
The Government of Malaysia has decided to send back to New Zealand, Second Warrant Officer Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, former Defence Staff Assistant at the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington, to assist in the investigation for the charges of burglary and assault with intent to commit rape. Mr. Muhammad Rizalman will be accompanied by a Senior Military Officer from the Ministry of Defence.
This decision was conveyed by YB Dato' Sri Anifah Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs to his counterpart, the Hon. Murray McCully, Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand this afternoon.
The Malaysian Government is of the view that this decision will provide an opportunity for Mr. Muhammad Rizalman to cooperate fully and assist the New Zealand authorities in the on-going investigations on the allegations made against him.
In this regard, the legal principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty should apply to Mr. Muhammad Rizalman. The Government of Malaysia will provide legal assistance to Mr. Muhammad Rizalman if necessary.
Malaysia has complete faith in the New Zealand legal system and has full confidence that Mr. Muhammad Rizalman will be given fair treatment with dignity as provided under the law.
The Government of Malaysia's decision is a clear testament of the excellent bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand.
Foreign Minister Anifah Aman confirmed this in a text message toMalaysiakini this evening.
The decision comes amid widespread calls for the military personnel, who was attached with the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, to be extradited to New Zealand.
Rizalman, 38, who is currently in Malaysia, has been accused of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman.
In a statement, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said the decision has been conveyed to New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully (left).The ministry also said that it would provide "legal assistance" to Rizalman if "necessary".
"Malaysia has complete faith in the New Zealand legal system and has full confidence that Rizalman will be given fair treatment with dignity as provided under the law," it added.
According to the statement, Rizalman is being sent back to "assist in investigations".
The following is the Foreign Ministry's statement in full:
The Government of Malaysia has decided to send back to New Zealand, Second Warrant Officer Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, former Defence Staff Assistant at the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington, to assist in the investigation for the charges of burglary and assault with intent to commit rape. Mr. Muhammad Rizalman will be accompanied by a Senior Military Officer from the Ministry of Defence.
This decision was conveyed by YB Dato' Sri Anifah Aman, Minister of Foreign Affairs to his counterpart, the Hon. Murray McCully, Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand this afternoon.
The Malaysian Government is of the view that this decision will provide an opportunity for Mr. Muhammad Rizalman to cooperate fully and assist the New Zealand authorities in the on-going investigations on the allegations made against him.
In this regard, the legal principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty should apply to Mr. Muhammad Rizalman. The Government of Malaysia will provide legal assistance to Mr. Muhammad Rizalman if necessary.
Malaysia has complete faith in the New Zealand legal system and has full confidence that Mr. Muhammad Rizalman will be given fair treatment with dignity as provided under the law.
The Government of Malaysia's decision is a clear testament of the excellent bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand.
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