PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE ALLEGED OFFENCES MADE BY A MALAYSIAN DEFENCE STAFF ASSISTANT AT THE HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA IN NEW ZEALAND, 1 JULY 2014
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED OFFENCES COMMITTED BY A MALAYSIAN DEFENCE STAFF ASSISTANT AT THE HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA IN NEW ZEALAND DELIVERED BY YB MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1 JULY 2014
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabaraktuh
Good afternoon,Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the media.
To begin, I want to thank you for your presence and to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim friends “Salam Ramadan Al Mubarak” and “Selamat Berpuasa”.
2. The primary purpose of this press conference is to share with the members of the media on recent media interest over a serious allegation against Mr. Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, Second Warrant Officer from the Ministry of Defence attached to the High Commission of Malaysia in Wellington, New Zealand as a Defence Staff Assistant, relating to an incident which happened on 9 May 2014 as well as the circumstances surrounding his return to Malaysia.
Background
3. As a way of background, a former Ministry of Defence Staff Assistant at the High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand was apprehended by the New Zealand Police on 9 May 2014for attempted burglary and sexual assault on a woman.
4. The accused was brought to court on 10 May 2014 for the charges of burglary and assault with intent to commit rape.
5. The High Commissioner for Malaysia in Wellington had a meeting with the Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand (MFAT) and officers from the New Zealand Police on 12 May 2014 to address the matter.
6. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia was prepared to waive diplomatic immunity of the accused to enable prosecution under New Zealand law against him to proceed.
7. During the discussion on 12 May, the New Zealand side had offered an alternative for the accused to be brought back to Malaysia. It was never our intention to treat the matter lightly.
8. With the agreement of the New Zealand side, the accused person and his family returned to Malaysia on 22 May 2014.
Actions taken by the Malaysian Side
9. Upon his return to Malaysia, the Ministry of Defence of Malaysia (MINDEF) has taken actions to investigate the case. MINDEF has conducted medical assessment on the accused person to ascertain his physical and mental condition. A comprehensive check-up including urine and blood tests were conducted on29 May 2014.
10. The result of the medical check-up concluded that the accused person’s physical state is satisfactory. Subsequently, MINDEF Medical Centre has referred the accused person to a psychiatrist for psychiatric examination and observation at the Tuanku Mizan Military Hospital to assess his mental and emotional condition. The process is still in progress.
11. MINDEF has also established a Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the case comprehensively.
12. MINDEF has given its assurance and commitment that it will not compromise or conceal any facts on the case being fully aware that Malaysia’s good name is at stake.
Government of Malaysia’s Position
13. The Malaysian government acknowledges that the incident is a serious matter and we do not have any intention to “sweep the matter under the carpet”.
14. This incident although it is an isolated case, the Malaysian Government views this matter seriously and in no way reflects the exemplary conduct and integrity of the Malaysian diplomatic officials serving abroad.
15. The Malaysian Government is committed in ensuring the transparency of the investigation of this case. MINDEF will not hesitate to take stern action against the accused person under the Armed Forces Act 1972, if it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is responsible and committed the alleged misconduct.
I thank you for your kind attention.
PUTRAJAYA
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