M'sian diplomat's return to NZ to face charges may be delayed
Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, the defence staff assistant with the Malaysian High Commision in Wellington New Zealand, may not be well enough to be returned to New Zealand to face a sex charge.
The New Zealand Herald, quoting a source inside the military hospital where Muhd Rizalman was being treated, said that he was "not looking good" and might need further tests.
A senior doctor from the hospital later confirmed with them that he will need further psychiatric evaluation.
According to media reports he was supposed to to be flown back to New Zealand on Monday (July 7).
Muhd Rizalman is alleged to have followed a 21-year-old female back to her home in Wellington, New Zealand on May 9, and assaulted her with intent to rape her.
He returned to Malaysia on May 22 with his family amid confusion about whether or not New Zealand had formally asked to waive diplomatic immunity.
New Zealand's foreign minister later clarified that the confusion resulted from the "informal communications" between officials of the two countries.
Source: New Zealand Herald, The Star
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