PASTOR Raymond Koh’s unsolved abduction and the mysterious disappearances of three activists since 2016 is now receiving the attention of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), which will question the police over its investigations that have drawn a blank.

The Christian preacher was kidnapped in Petaling Jaya 130 days ago on February 13, and his family has yet to receive any ransom note which has heightened the mystery over the abduction.

Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph said the commission wanted to ask the police about a suspect that was arrested last month in connection with the abduction of the pastor.

“It’s our role to inquire and act on any human rights violation that is submitted to us. We can call on any related party, including the police, which is provided for under the Act,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Joseph said Suhakam had met Koh’s wife and children and heard their side of the story.

“After Hari Raya we will start the interviews. We will follow through with the police to see if they have any leads on the person they arrested last month in relation to Koh’s case, and will interview the investigating officer,” he said.

It is not known who the suspect is and whether he had been released or was still in custody as there has been no word from police since the announcement of the arrest was made by the Inspector-General of Police late last month.

A provision under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597) empowers Suhakam to question the authorities in cases of suspected infringement of human rights.

Joseph said Suhakam was acting on complaints it had received from families of the missing persons and the Citizen Action Group On Enforced Disappearance (Caged), which represents a coalition of civil society groups.

Caged comprises of 48 civil society groups that aim to seek international help to pressure Putrajaya into providing answers to the disappearance of Koh and three other activists. It has organised several vigils to highlight the disappearances.

A spokesman for Koh’s family said they met with Suhakam on June 6.

“The family is cooperating with Suhakam and they hope that the commission will ask the police what are their latest findings on the case.”

The spokesman said the police had yet to contact the family with any substantial updates on the case.

“What the family know is what they have read in the media. They have also not heard anything about the person who was arrested last month.

“The family are also in the midst of preparing their statements which will be presented to Suhakam,” said the spokesman.

Suhakam is also investigating the disappearances of Amir Che Mat who went missing on the night of November 24 last year after he told his eldest daughter he was going out, and Joshua Hilmy, a pastor of Malay descent, and his wife Ruth, who went missing on November 30 last year.

Joseph said Amri’s friends have given their statements to Suhakam.

“For the Amri case, we have done our first round of interviews in the north. We have spoken to the family, police and religious authorities and it (the investigation) is still ongoing.

“But we have got the least information on Joshua and his wife Ruth and that is why we are appealing to those who have any information to come forward,” he said. – June 23, 2017.