A man working in the Malaysian Embassy in Wellington who was returned to Malaysia under diplomatic immunity after facing criminal charges here was not on a diplomatic passport, Radio New Zealand reports.
Muhammad Rizalman was charged in May this year with burglary and assault with intent to rape in Wellington, but claimed diplomatic immunity and fled the country.
It has been revealed that he was not in the country a diplomatic passport.
He appeared in court in New Zealand, before being released on bail with certain conditions, but a botch-up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) allowed the 35-year-old to return home.
Under the Vienna Convention, diplomatic staff cannot be detained without a diplomatic waiver from their home country.
Malaysia said the extradition request now has to go through the due process of law and rejects any suggestion it has been dragging its feet.
