Gibson, who has been heavily involved in the search for debris from Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, acknowledged that Raza was supposed to hand over new debris finds to the Malaysian authorities.

However, he said he had been informed that Raza did not have any of the debris with him at the time of his assassination.

He added that there was nothing to connect the consul’s death with the missing plane.

“Whether this tragedy was related to Raza’s consular capacity, MH370, or other business or personal matters is premature.

“Let the authorities handle the investigation and inform us of their findings,” he said.

Gibson was responding to a report by Australian daily Perth Now, which noted that Raza had died before he could ensure the debris was delivered to Malaysia.

The debris is still with the Madagascar authorities, but new arrangements must now be made for its collection and transfer.

Gibson himself has received death threats which he said appeared meant to deter him from any further involvement with MH370.

According to reports, Raza was killed on Aug 24, with some media outlets claiming he was gunned down in the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo.

His death was acknowledged by the foreign ministry on Aug 29. However, no details were provided on the cause or circumstances surrounding his death.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) said Raza had been of great assistance to Malaysia in facilitating the recovery of possible MH370 debris found in Madagascar.

Director-general Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said Raza’s death was still the subject of investigation, and that it was inappropriate and irresponsible to speculate on the matter.

Report: Malaysian consul responsible for MH370 debris assassinated