Roemer, who also represented Mexico at the United Nations cultural agency Unesco under the previous Mexican administration, has rejected the accusations.

The former Padang Rengas MP is the only politician out of several newly appointed heads of diplomatic missions abroad announced by Wisma Putra today.

Zainal Abidin Alias and Mohamed Rizal face whipping and life imprisonment if found guilty.

Lawyers for Liberty says Mohammmed Khairuzzaman should be released from custody and accorded the protection to which he is entitled as a political refugee.