New Zealand Prime Minister John Key (pic) says that Datuk Seri Najib Razak has given his ‘absolute commitment’ on the return of the Malaysian diplomat accused of sexual assault. ― Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 ― New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said today that Datuk Seri Najib Razak has offered his “absolute commitment” to ensure that the Malaysian diplomat accused of sexual assault will return to the island country to face justice for his alleged crime.

Key told TVNZ’s Breakfast show today, as reported by The New Zealand Herald, that the process to extradite Muhammad Rizalman Ismail was “progressing”.

“He will be back in New Zealand, that's an absolute commitment I've had from the prime minister of Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib,” Key was quoted as saying.

“I have absolutely no doubt they will follow through with that and he'll be back here and he'll go through [the court] process,” he added.

The New Zealand Herald reported yesterday New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as saying that it has begun the process to extradite Muhammad Rizalman, who was accused of trying to rape a 21-year-old Kiwi woman almost five months ago.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman reportedly said government officials had formally applied in July for Muhammad Rizalman’s extradition.

“Lawyers from both governments have been sharing documents and working through technically complex legal arrangements,” the spokesman was quoted as saying, noting that the process was complicated as there is no extradition treaty between New Zealand and Malaysia.

Muhammad Rizalman was arrested by Kiwi police on May 9 and charged a day later with alleged burglary and assault with intent to commit rape on 21-year-old Tania Billingsley, with both charges carrying the maximum penalty of a 10-year jail term.

The junior envoy’s subsequent invocation of diplomatic immunity and return home sparked an embarrassing public spat between New Zealand and Malaysia, following allegations that he had abused diplomatic privilege to escape punishment.

Muhammad Rizalman had been scheduled to be sent back to New Zealand in July, but this was delayed after a psychiatric examination found him to be depressed and withdrawn; a second round of tests was then called to determine his fitness to travel.