11 Sep 2014

Diplomat arrangements still being made

2:24 pm on 11 September 2014

It is still not clear when a Malaysian diplomat accused of sexual assault will come back to New Zealand to face charges.

Muhammad Rizalman.

Muhammad Rizalman. Photo: FACEBOOK

That is despite a Malaysian news website reporting this week that the Malaysian government is ready to send him back and is just waiting for the New Zealand Government to request it.

Muhammad Rizalman was charged in May this year with assault with intent to rape a woman in Wellington, but claimed diplomatic immunity and fled the country.

The 35-year-old was allowed to leave even though the Malaysian government was prepared to waive his immunity at the time.

In a statement this morning, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade said the matter of Mr Rizalman's return is still subject to the completion of legal requirements.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs