NZ judge allows naming of Malaysian diplomatic aide in sex assault case

PETALING JAYA: A Wellington High Court judge has lifted the suppression order on a Malaysian diplomatic aide accused of sexual assault.

The man has been named as Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, aged 38, a staff assistant at the Malaysian High Commission, New Zealand media reported Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said at a press conference Tuesday that Muhammad Rizalman was defence staff assistant with the rank of Second Warrant Officer.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said he would be extradited if there was a request from the New Zealand government.

It was reported Monday that a Malaysian diplomat, who is said to have sexually assaulted a 21-year-old woman at her home in Wellington, was recalled but New Zealand is demanding that he be sent back to face charges there.

The incident has created a public outcry in New Zealand, with Prime Minister John Key saying his "preference" was for the diplomat, said to be in his 30s, to be tried under New Zealand law.

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