Wisma Putra pursuing diplomatic status for Tourism Officer post in Sweden

KUALA LUMPUR: Wisma Putra is looking at obtaining diplomatic status for the current Tourism Officer post held by Azizul Raheem Awalluddin who was charged with his wife in Sweden for allegedly abusing their children.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin said negotiations are being held with Sweden for the post to be given diplomatic status at the Malaysia's mission.

"The list of those with diplomatic status and immunity depends on the host country where the embassy or mission is located.

"We are working with Sweden to get the diplomatic status for the particular post in the future," he said when replying to a question raised Tan Sri Annuar Musa in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.

He described Azizul's case as a lesson for Wisma Putra to take heed of the status of certain posts held by the Government while serving overseas but not part of the embassy diplomatic corp.

"For example, Azizul was accorded diplomatic status when he was stationed in South Africa but was not given the privilege by Sweden when he was posted there by Tourism Malaysia," he added.

He was asked if Wisma Putra would take steps to included officers from Malaysia Industrial Development Authority, International Trade and Industry Ministry and Tourism Malaysia be accorded diplomatic status.

On Feb 10, Shalwati Nor Shal and Azizul were charged with multiple counts of gross violation of a child’s integrity by hitting and abusing their children.

The alleged offences took place in the family’s home in Spanga, a Stockholm suburb, between Sept 15, 2010 and Dec 17, 2013.