Wait for justice painful

Tania Billingsley.

But Government reveal they have taken first steps to return Malaysian diplomat to face justice.

The grandmother of Tania Billingsley has told of the family's frustration at ongoing delays in the return of the Malaysian diplomat accused of trying to rape the Wellington student.

It has been 142 days since Malaysian diplomat Muhammad Rizalman allegedly indecently assaulted Billingsley.

But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has revealed they have taken the first painstaking steps towards extraditing the diplomat back to New Zealand to face justice.
Tania's grandmother, Patricia Billingsley, of Blenheim, said the initial shock of the alleged incident had given way to hurt.

The subject had become taboo around the family.

"It's not spoken of now, it's been too hurtful. They don't like to talk about it now," she said.

Patricia Billingsley said she wanted Rizalman returned, but said the family was powerless to influence the process.

"It's not what we think, it's what they do," she said.

Tania had drawn strength from her rural upbringing.

"She's lucky. She is a country-bred girl. You couldn't have asked for a nicer kid."

Yesterday an MFAT spokesman said Government officials had initiated the first step in the request for Rizalman's extradition in July.

"Lawyers from both governments have been sharing documents and working through technically complex legal arrangements," the spokesman said.

"The ministry is satisfied progress is being made and appreciates the ongoing co-operation of the Malaysian Government.

"An announcement will be made once the arrangements are finalised."The process was complex because there is no extradition treaty between New Zealand and Malaysia.

The Malaysian Government said this month Rizalman was ready to be sent back to New Zealand, for the alleged attempted rape in May.

A spokesman for Foreign Minister Murray McCully said he would not be commenting on the case, saying that as it was a "legal matter" all comment was to come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.