Malaysian official to return to NZ to face sexual assault charge

Malaysia says it will send a junior military official back to New Zealand where he faces sexual assault and burglary charges.

The official was working at the Malaysian Embassy in Wellington when he was charged on May 9. He claimed diplomatic immunity and returned home on May 22.

On Wednesday, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Second Warrant Officer Muhammad Rizalman Ismail will return to Wellington “to assist in the investigation” there.

It said the decision was conveyed to New Zealand by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.

It said Malaysia has “complete faith in the New Zealand legal system.”