New Zealand: Malaysia refused to waive immunity for aide in sex molest case

PETALING JAYA: New Zealand was asked to drop all charges against a Malaysian diplomatic aide accused of sexual assault, according to correspondence released by the New Zealand government Tuesday.

This came after its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mofat) had requested that diplomatic immunity be waived for Muhammed Rizalman Ismail, 38, a defence staff assistant with the Malaysian High Commission.

However, the High Commission said it would not waive immunity and "decided that he should be repatriated to Malaysia as soon as possible".

According to the note (reference no: 2014/125) from Mofat to the High Commission, New Zealand police had informed the ministry of "alleged offences committed by Mr Ismail including burglary and assault with intent to commit rape."

Correspondence between New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Malaysian high Commission

The note said for police to pursue with prosecution,"the Ministry wishes to seek from the Malaysian authorities a waiver of the personal immunity granted to Mr Ismail."

The return correspondence (BP 04/2014) from the High Commission said the Malaysian government "will not waive the personal immunity granted to Mr Muhammad Rizalman Ismail and has decided that he should be repatriated to Malaysia as soon as possible."

Muhammad Rizalman and his family returned to Malaysia on May 22.

The High Commission also requested that the New Zealand authorities "consider sealing all documentation pertaining to the matter and withdrawing all charges", and ensured that Muhammad Rizalman would not return to New Zealand in the future.

On Facebook, Malaysian diplomatic aide in NZ sexual assault case looks happily married

Outcry erupts as Wellington wants diplomat tried under its laws

Malaysian diplomat should be named, says NZ Foreign Affairs minister

Wisma Putra says will extradite diplomatic aide in sex assault case on request from NZ