Malaysian diplomat expected to return this week

Muhammad Rizalman bin Ismail. Photo / Facebook

A Malaysian diplomat facing sexual assault charges appears set to return to New Zealand this Friday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said this afternoon he had been advised there had been a court case in Malaysia to order the extradition of Muhammed Rizalman bin Ismail, a former envoy at the Malaysian High Commission.

Mr McCully told reporters it was now clear that there would be a trial in New Zealand. The minister would not comment further, saying he did not want to prejudice the trial.

"The matter is entirely in the hands of the judicial system in both countries."

Asked about media reports that Rizalman will return to New Zealand on Friday, Mr McCully said: "I have heard a report along those lines but you need to get that confirmed with police."

A Wellington police spokesman said officials were continuing with the extradition process.

"That process is ongoing, and we will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure the matter is resolved."

Police officers were expected to travel to Malaysia to escort Rizalman to New Zealand.
The minister and police would not confirm whether officers had already departed for Malaysia.

Once the former envoy arrived in the country, he would be taken immediately to Wellington District Court.

Rizalman faced charges of burglary and assault with intent to rape. He was arrested on May 10 after allegedly following Wellington woman Tania Billingsley to her home in
Brooklyn and attacking her.

But he left the country on May 22 with diplomatic immunity after a mix-up between New Zealand and Malaysian officials.

New Zealand formally requested his extradition three weeks ago.