KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 ― Putrajaya today decided to send back Second Warrant Officer Muhammad Rizalman Ismail to New Zealand where he will face two criminal charges in a civil court.
In a short but carefully worded statement, the Foreign Ministry said Muhammad Rizalman will be sent back to the Pacific island nation “to assist in the investigation for the charges of burglary and assault with intent to commit rape”.
“The Malaysian Government is of the view that this decision will provide an opportunity for Mr. Muhammad Rizalman to cooperate fully and assist the New Zealand authorities in the on-going investigations on the allegations made against him.
“In this regard, the legal principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty should apply to Mr. Muhammad Rizalman. The Government of Malaysia will provide legal assistance to Mr. Muhammad Rizalman if necessary,” the statement said, avoiding any mention of an extradition.
Wisma Putra said that Malaysia has “complete faith” that the New Zealand legal system will give the former military attache a fair trial, adding that Malaysia's decision is proof of “excellent bilateral relations” between the two countries.
Muhammad Rizalman, 38, was arrested by Kiwi police on May 9 on allegations of attempted burglary and sexual assault on a 21-year-old woman.
He was charged in a New Zealand court a day later for burglary and assault with intent to commit rape, with both charges carrying the maximum penalty of a 10-year jail term.
Malaysian and New Zealand foreign offices issued conflicting statements over the willingness of Muhamad RIzalman's employers to hand him over to Kiwi authorities, raising the possibility of a diplomatic spat.
The situation came to a head yesterday when New Zealand Prime Minister John Key repeated his position that Muhammad Rizalman should be tried for his alleged crimes before a Kiwi court, giving his assurance he would get a fair trial and that his life would not be in danger.
“We don’t have the death penalty in New Zealand and he’ll absolutely get a free and fair trial in New Zealand.
“One thing that we can pride ourselves is having a judicial system that’s completely fair,” Key was quoted saying by New Zealand news agency Dominion Post on the website stuff.co.nz.
