THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today closed its inquiry into missing Perlis activist Amri Che Mat.

Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai said the panel had unanimously decided on the matter, in the interest of time.

“We started (the public inquiry) in October last year, and our term ends in April next year.

“We must get on with the submissions in order, as we need time to come up with our decision,” he said at the Suhakam headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Mah has asked lawyers, police observers and Suhakam officers to prepare their submissions, which will be handed in and exchanged on January 15 next year.

The written reply will be filed from January 19 to 31, he said.

The inquiry into Amri’s case started on January 22 this year, and saw 24 witnesses giving their testimonies.

Mah said even though the inquiry has been closed, there is a caveat for it to be reopened should new evidence surface.

He did not say when a decision will likely be reached.

During the inquiry earlier today, the final witness in Amri’s case, Kangar restaurant owner Saiful Afdzan Seinei, failed to show up.

Mah said Saiful had made a mockery of the inquiry, as the latter had been issued several notices by Suhakam to attend the hearing.

The commissioner asked that police take action against Saiful.

The panel was shown a video, shot by Amri’s family aide, Sheryll Stothard, on their interview with Saiful, regarding the activist’s alleged abduction in Jalan Kg Behor, Kangar.

In the clip, Saiful said Amri’s four-wheel drive was stopped by three other such vehicles on the night of the incident.

Saiful said he saw Amri exiting his vehicle and trying to flee, but was grabbed by one of the three men who had also gotten out of their cars.

Amri was pushed back into his vehicle, after which the three men got inside and drove off, said Saiful.

Amri was being investigated for allegedly spreading Shia teachings.

He is believed to have been abducted by a group of people in four-wheel drives seen surrounding his car in Kg Padang Behor.

Suhakam is also conducting an inquiry into missing Pastor Raymond Koh, Pastor Joshua Hilmy and Joshua’s wife, Ruth, to ascertain if they are cases of enforced disappearance. – October 31, 2018.