Malaysia confirms extradition request for envoy

Rizalman is accused of an attack on Tania Billingsley.

Malaysia has confirmed it has received a request from New Zealand for the extradition of a diplomat accused of burglary and attempted rape.

An extradition request for Muhammed Rizalman bin Ismail was formally filed on October 3 for him to return to New Zealand to face charges.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry only confirmed receipt of the request in the last 24 hours.

"Given the excellent bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand, as well as taking into account the strong public interest in the case, the extradition request will undergo the due process of the law," Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a new statement published in Malaysian media.

Rizalman was arrested on May 9 after allegedly following 22 year-old Tania Billingsley to her Wellington home and assaulting her.

He was arrested the same night and charged the next day in the Wellington District Court.

He claimed diplomatic immunity and left with his family for Malaysia on May 22.

In June, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the Herald on Sunday Rizalman was immediately sent home after his government refused to waive his immunity.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry this week denied claims it was "dragging its feet" on the matter.