VIDEO l 2.38 min

New Zealand authorities offered the "alternative" to bring home a Malaysian diplomat accused of sexual assault before May 30, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said today.

 

Although New Zealand leaders have expressed their preference to have the diplomat, Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, to be tried there, Anifah said it was the New Zealand authorities who made that offer.

 

He said that the diplomat is currently undergoing psychiatric tests by the Defence Ministry, where he is attached.

He will also face Malaysia's military court.

 

Anifah however was unable to give details as to what kind of punishment would await Rizalman.

 

He is also unsure if Rizalman, who is in his 30s and married, is under detention or remains free.

"I am not sure. That process is with the Defence Ministry," Anifah said.

Board of inquiry set up

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, the minister said the Defence Ministry has set up a board of inquiry to investigate this matter.

"We are taking this matter seriously because Malaysia's good name is at stake," he added.

Anifah said Rizalman was brought back on May 22, accompanied by a senior Defence Ministry official, about two weeks after he was arrested for sexual assault with the intent to commit rape on May 9.

Anifah said the alternative offer to bring Rizalman ( left ) back home was made by officers from the New Zealand police and the Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade during a meeting with Malaysian officials on May 12.

However, he said that the government would consider sending Rizalman back to New Zealand if the latter made a request.

"If they request and they believe the investigations here are not being done properly, I will consider. But I don't think they have a problem with the Malaysian judiciary system," he said.

Anifah said Rizalman served in Wellington as a Defence Ministry staff for the past one year.

Below is the full press statement from the minister of foreign affairs :

To begin, I want to thank you for your presence and to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim friends “Salam Ramadan Al Mubarak” and “Selamat Berpuasa”.

2. The primary purpose of this press conference is to share with the members of the media on recent media interest over a serious allegation against Mr Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, Second Warrant Officer from the Ministry of Defence attached to the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington, New Zealand, as a Defence Staff Assistant, relating to an incident which happened on 9 May 2014, as well as the circumstances surrounding his return to Malaysia.

Background

3. As a way of background, a former Ministry of Defence Staff Assistant at the High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand was apprehended by the New Zealand Police on 9 May 2014 for attempted burglary and sexual assault on a woman.

4. The accused was brought to court on 10 May 2014 for the charges of burglary and assault with intent to commit rape.

5. The High Commissioner for Malaysia in Wellington had a meeting with the Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand (MFAT) and officers from the New Zealand Police on 12 May 2014 to address the matter.

6. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia was prepared to waive diplomatic immunity of the accused to enable prosecution under New Zealand law against him to proceed.

7. During the discussion on 12 May, the New Zealand side had offered an alternative for the accused to be brought back to Malaysia. It was never our intention to treat the matter lightly.

8. With the agreement of the New Zealand side, the accused person and his family returned to Malaysia on 22 May 2014.

Actions taken by the Malaysian side

9. Upon his return to Malaysia, the Ministry of Defence of Malaysia (Mindef) has taken actions to investigate the case. Mindef has conducted medical assessment on the accused person to ascertain his physical and mental condition. A comprehensive check-up, including urine and blood tests, were conducted on 29 May 2014.

10. The result of the medical check-up concluded that the accused person’s physical state is satisfactory. Subsequently, Mindef Medical Centre has referred the accused person to a psychiatrist for psychiatric examination and observation at the Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital to assess his mental and emotional condition. The process is still in progress.

11. Mindef has also established a Board of Inquiry (BoI) to investigate the case comprehensively.

12. Mindef has given its assurance and commitment that it will not compromise or conceal any facts on the case, being fully aware that Malaysia’s good name is at stake.

Government of Malaysia’s position

13. The Malaysian government acknowledges that the incident is a serious matter and we do not have any intention to “sweep the matter under the carpet”.

14. This incident, although it is an isolated case, the Malaysian government views this matter seriously and in no way reflects the exemplary conduct and integrity of the Malaysian diplomatic officials serving abroad.

15. The Malaysian government is committed in ensuring the transparency of the investigation of this case. Mindef will not hesitate to take stern action against the accused person under the Armed Forces Act 1972, if it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is responsible and committed the alleged misconduct.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Wisma Putra

1 July 2014

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