Malaysia to deport diplomat accused of attempted rape
Malaysian authorities are working to send a diplomat back to New Zealand where he is accused of attempted rape, a Defence Ministry source said on Friday.
“We are completing his medical tests and the foreign ministry is looking for a lawyer to help him,” he said.
New Zealand leaders this week asked for the return of Muhammad Rizalman 38, to Wellington where he allegedly assaulted a 21-year-old woman with the intent of raping her after following her home.
The accused has asked for a delay in his extradition until the end of Ramadan on July 28, the Straits Times reported.
The request was unlikely to be granted, the report said.
“I think we do not want another international incident after the disappearance of MH370 airline,” the Defence Ministry source said.
He requested not to be named as he is not authorised to speak on the issue of the accused diplomat.
Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared en route to Beijing in March.
Malaysia was criticised for its slow response to that crisis.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister, Anifah Aman, said the Malaysian government had decided to send Mr. Rizalman back to New Zealand even without a formal request.
He was arrested and charged in Wellington on May 9. He appeared in court on May 10, but was allowed to leave the country due to his status as a diplomat. (NAN)