Short of telling those involved in the diplomatic imbroglio to resign, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said officials who let the Malaysian government believe that Wellington was fine with a diplomat accused of sexual assault returning home should consider their career options.

Initially, the New Zealand government stated its “strong preference” for Malaysian diplomatic attache Muhammad Rizalman Ismail to face justice in New Zealand.

Although the official communication was clear on the issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) later admitted that informal communications could have sent a different signal.

"If that person doesn't have clarity about that position then they need to think very strongly about whether they're in the right job," Key ( right ) is quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

Apart from creating ambiguity, the prime minister said the officials had created a situation that added to the distress of the victim.

"That led to a situation that is unacceptable to me, and I think it is very distressing for the woman," he added.

Key has backed both Foreign Minister Murray McCully and MFAT chief executive John Allen on the handling of the incident.

However, the news portal said the prime minister has signalled repeatedly that he could not understand how an official could give any sign that the position was unclear, given New Zealand's sound legal system and the seriousness of the allegations.

Rizalman ( left ), an assistant to the defence attache at the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, left New Zealand on May 22, less than a fortnight after an alleged attack on a 21-year-old woman in her Brooklyn home.

His departure came after Malaysia refused an official request from New Zealand to waive  diplomatic immunity.

Yesterday, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said the accused would be sent back to New Zealand to facilitate investigations.

Meanwhile, Key also stressed on the importance of MFAT conducting an independent inquiry into the matter.

"There's some important questions that need to be answered.

"There certainly was no ambiguity on the side of the New Zealand government so if the ministry have individual people in their protocol division who communicated in a way other than with absolute clarity, answers need to be provided to that," he added.

Key was also vexed over the lack of information.

"I was briefed last Saturday about this incident. At no point was any information given to me, or the foreign minister, that there was anything other than absolute clarity on the New Zealand side.

"That's very disappointing because I try and communicate clearly and in a straightforward and honest way with the New Zealand public, but I have to rely on the information that's given to me - and in the end that information that was given to me wasn't absolutely perfectly correct so I think the chief executive does need to get to the bottom of it," he was quoted as saying.

In a related development, New Zealand police said they are working closely with Crown Law and MFAT on the legal process and logistical details to facilitate Rizalman’s return to New Zealand.

“This is a unique and complex legal situation so careful planning is required and no date for his return has been set. Police are continuing to support the victim and have kept her up to date.

“As the matter is before the courts it is not appropriate for Police to make any further comment about the circumstances of the offences.

“We would also encourage other commentators on this matter to be very wary of the potential implications of their actions on any legal process,” read the statement.

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