WERE the abductions of Pastor Raymond Koh and Perlis activist Amri Che Mat cases of state-sanctioned enforced disappearances?

This will be revealed today when the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) releases its findings after a year-long public inquiry into the disappearance of the two activists three years ago.

In international human rights law, a forced disappearance or enforced disappearance occurs when a person is secretly abducted or imprisoned by a state or political organisation, or by a third party with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of a state or political organisation.

Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai, who will release the report later today, told The Malaysian Insight it will contain an account of the facts, the law, findings, conclusions and recommendations.

“Once we have announced the findings, we will submit it to the commission. They will then hand over the report to the police and the relevant agencies.”

Suhakam ended its inquiry into Koh’s disappearance on December 7 last year, with no clues as to his whereabouts or those behind his abduction.

The inquiry was formally closed after the three-man panel heard testimonies from 16 witnesses, comprising members of the public, family, police and relevant agencies.

Koh was abducted in Petaling Jaya while driving on February 13, 2017 by about 15 men in three black SUVs. The abduction, caught on closed-circuit television cameras, was described as a well-coordinated operation.

The other missing activists who are also the subjects of Suhakam’s inquiry are Amri, Pastor Joshua Hilmy and his wife, Ruth.

Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, had expressed relief at the inquiry’s end, saying it has been a long and tiring process for the family since the public hearings began on October 19, 2017. 

“We hope the truth will prevail. We still have hope that Koh and the rest will be released, and the culprits brought to justice,” she said.

Suhakam had also closed its inquiry into Perlis Hope founder Amri on October 31, 2018.

Mah said the panel had unanimously decided on the matter, in the interest of time.

Amri was allegedly abducted on November 24, 2016, near his house in Kangar.

The inquiry into Amri’s case 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.

The objective of the inquiry is to ascertain if they were cases of enforced disappearances. – April 3, 2019.