Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Wisma Putra's decision to withdraw diplomatic immunity of the envoy would enable him to be prosecuted according to the laws of the country (New Zealand).
"I support Wisma Putra's action. Mindef has also set up a board of inquiry to carry out a comprehensive investigation. We will not protect anyone who violated the law and action will be taken if they are found guilty," he said.
Hishammuddin said according to the standard operating procedure, an inquiry or special board of inquiry would be set up to investigate any case, including the one involving an envoy who was accused of attempted burglary and sexual assault in New Zealand.
"The Ministry views such cases seriously...we will investigate and work closely with the Foreign Ministry and the New Zealand government to ensure any officer who has done something wrong is punished," he said after a special briefing with regard to the missing Flight MH370, in Parliament, here today.
The envoy, a Warrant Officer II from Mindef and attached to the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand was arrested by Kiwi police on May 9 on allegations of attempted burglary and sexual assault on a 21-year-old woman.
He was charged in a New Zealand court a day later for burglary and assault with intent to commit rape, but a suppression order was imposed to protect his identity.
The accused was arrested after he allegedly followed a 21-year-old woman to her house on May 9, and attacked her. - Bernama