A former Special Branch Commissioner today denied police were involved in the disappearance of activist Amri Che Mat.

Awaluddin Jadid, who retired from the force two days ago, refuted Amri’s wife Norhayati Ariffin’s statement that he knew about Amri’s abduction, in Suhakam inquiry hearing into the disappearance of several Malaysians, including Amri.

“I’m aware about the police report lodged (by Norhayati). I don’t agree and deny it. 

“I’m denying whatever she said. That is not right,” he said. 

Suhakam officers had asked Awaluddin about the police report that Norhayati lodged on May 14 in Shah Alam.

Norhayati had revealed that a Special Branch officer, Sergeant Shamzaini Mohd Daud from Perlis had visited her home on May 12.

He had allegedly told her that her husband was under police surveillance before he went missing. 

Norhayati also alleged that Shamzaini told her that Amri and Pastor Raymond Koh was taken by Bukit Aman. 

Amri was allegedly being investigated for spreading Shia teachings.

In her report, his wife said Amri was snatched on the orders of Awaluddin. 

Amri’s family lawyer, Nizam Bashir had asked Awaluddin if he knew Norhayati or Shamzaini. 

Awaluddin said he had never met any one of them. 

Suhakam officers asked Awaluddin if Amri and Perlis Hope were involved in Shia activities. 

Awaluddin said reports were made to the effect but there was no evidence for police to take action. 

Perlis Hope was founded by Amri in October 2015 with the aim of helping the poor and needy.

Amri went missing on November 24, 2016. He was believed to have been abducted by a group of people in four-wheel-drive vehicles that were seen surrounding his car in Kg Padang Behor.

Koh was abducted on February 13 last year by several men in balaclavas who used black SUVs to block his car in Petaling Jaya.

Suhakam is conducting a public inquiry into the disappearance of Amri, Koh, Pastor Joshua Hilmy and Joshua’s wife, Ruth, to ascertain if they are cases of enforced disappearance.  – July 4, 2018.