Eye Brows Raised As Censured New Zealand Diplomat Becomes Active In Party Duties At Foreign Embassy Events

A New Zealand diplomat publicly censured by the Prime Minister for causing embarrassment in the handling of rape, accused Malaysian diplomat case is allegedly active in the Wellington cocktail circuit, representing the Government at the various functions of foreign embassies.

Mary Oliver, a senior staffer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) was been representing the country in the National Day parties of China, South Korea and Chile in recent weeks, reported Stuff.Co.Nz. There was consternation in the diplomatic circles that how can a reprimanded official be allowed to represent the government in diplomatic parties. The Government had earlier said that the actions of the said employee attached to the MFAT had undermined its confidence.

Bungling In Malaysia Case

Oliver was the Deputy director of Protocol when a case involving a rape charge on a Malaysian diplomat erupted. It was a case of attempted rape and burglary. Last May 10 of this year, Muhammad Rizalman bin Ismail, serving as warrant officer to the Malaysian High Commission was arrested on those charges. He reportedly overpowered a 21-year-old woman at her home in Brooklyn, near Wellington.

After the offence broke out public outcry followed. Oliver then held meetings with the Malaysian High Commissioner in which she did not assert the Government's policy of the accused having to face justice in New Zealand. This led to the exit of the accused to his home country. The MFAT came under intense scrutiny when the matter became public showing the weakness in enforcing the official line.

Malaysia refused to strip Rizalman of diplomatic immunity despite an official request. But Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman later clarified that Kuala Lumpur was willing to waive immunity, but the meetings with MFAT officials gave the impression that New Zealand was comfortable with Rizalman facing justice in the home country.

PM's Censure

When the public criticism became strident, Prime Minister John Key intervened and denied any bungling. Key said MFAT should have known that New Zealand wanted Rizalman to face justice here and communicated that unambiguously to Malaysia.

On a serious note, the PM had said, "If that person does not have clarity about that Official position is then it is time time to think strongly whether they are in the right job" without naming the official. Later, it was revealed that the official concerned was Mary Oliver. The government also deputed John Whitehead, ex Treasury Secretary to conduct an inquiry into MFAT's handling of the affair and acknowledged that the episode had undermined its confidence in the ministry. The matter is still hanging fire despite Malaysia saying Rizalman will be extradited to New Zealand. There is still no clarity when he will return to New Zealand.