Tuesday 1 July 2014



Foreign Minister Anifah Aman has vowed that there will be no cover-up in the case of a Malaysian diplomat implicated in a sex offence case in New Zealand.

"We do not have any intention to sweep the matter under the carpet," he told a press conference at Wisma Putra this afternoon.

The minister was commenting on the case of Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, who was attached with the Malaysian high commission’s defence portfolio.

Anifah, who stressed that Malaysia's good name is at stake, revealed that Rizalman, who was brought back here, is currently undergoing psychiatric tests by the Defence Ministry.

He also disclosed that the Ministry of Defence has set up a board of inquiry to look into the charge.

"Serious action will be taken under the Armed Forces Act 1972 if he is found guilty (of the crime) beyond reasonable doubt," he added.

Meanwhile, Anifah also believes this incident, which he labelled as an "isolated case", would not affect bilateral relations with New Zealand.

"It's a different thing if we do not cooperate. But we are a friendly country," he added.

Previously, New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully warned if Rizalman does not face charges, it would affect relations between Malaysia and New Zealand.

Anifah had also that Malaysia would consider a request from New Zealand if the latter wanted Rizalman to be tried in that country if it is not confident that justice would be served here.

However, he pointed out that New Zealand does not have an issue with the Malaysian judicial system.
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