The media coverage on former Malaysian military attache Muhammad Rizalman Ismail may hamper the process of a fair trial, according to a news report.

The New Zealand Herald quoted the country's law society president Chris Moore expressing concern over the matter.

Moore said the extensive media coverage "may be coming close to harmful interference with the process of how we determine guilt".

Echoing a similar concern was Auckland University law professor Warren Brookbanks.

"The defendant could be prejudged in the court of public opinion when he has no opportunity to answer or offer a defence to the allegations," Brookbanks is quoted as saying.

He told the newspaper that the publicity meant "there will be real problems in getting an impartial jury".

Brookbanks also noted that Billingsley, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Rizalman, could have weakened the prosecution’s case by coming out in public.

"In going public this way the complainant risks jeopardising her credibility as a witness, potentially weakening the prosecution case," he said.

In an interview on New Zealand television recently, the 21-year-old identified herself as the complainant.

Billingsley said that she chose forego court protection of her identity because she was upset with how the New Zealand authorities handled the case, where Rizalman was allowed a diplomatic escape.

She accused Rizalman, who was with the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, of breaking into her home last May with the intent to rape her.

Rizalman was arrested by police in Wellington on May 9 on allegations of burglary and attempted sexual assault on Billingsley.

He was charged in a New Zealand court the next day, with burglary and assault with intent to commit rape.

Malaysian authorities have said Rizalman, who has since been brought to Malaysia, would be sent back to New Zealand soon to face justice there.