Muhammed Rizalman bin Ismail was arrested in May after allegedly following Tania Billingsley, 22, home and assaulting her. However, confusion between New Zealand and Malaysian authorities saw him returned to his home country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade today confirmed it had sent a formal request to the Malaysian authorities earlier this week.
"The extradition request in relation to Mr Rizalman has been authorised and signed by the Acting Minister of Justice and dispatched to the Malaysian authorities on 1 October," a spokeswoman said.
"There is no extradition treaty between New Zealand and Malaysia. Lawyers from both governments have been sharing documents and working through technically complex legal arrangements.
"This is now a legal issue for the Malaysian authorities and courts and the ministry is unable to comment further at this time."
The Green Party's Jan Logie, who acted on behalf of Ms Billingsley following the revelation of the case in Herald on Sunday, said the formal extradition request was a "good step forward".
"We are pleased the matter is progressing," she said.
"Obviously, Mr Rizalman should have never been allowed to leave the country in the first place and it is disappointing that this request has taken so long.
"However, the most important thing is for justice to be served and due process to be followed, and we are happy this is one step closer."
Rizalman was arrested on May 9 after allegedly following Ms Billingsley to her Wellington home and assaulting her.
He was arrested the same night and charged the next day in the Wellington District Court.
Rizalman claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to Malaysia on May 22.
The New Zealand Government maintains it always wanted Rizalman to remain in the country and face the charges. But miscommunication between New Zealand and Malaysian officials led to Malaysia believing it was acceptable for Rizalman to be repatriated and tried under a military court.
- By Patrice Dougan of APNZ
