FIRST things first: find out what happened to Amri Che Mat and Raymond Koh.

This requires a thorough probe for which all the tools of investigation must be used. This can only be carried out by enforcement agencies with the power to investigate.

Witnesses have to be interviewed, premises searched, suspects arrested and interrogated, statements compared, and so on as the case may warrant.

A royal commission of inquiry would not be capable of applying the same pressure as a criminal investigation on the culprits. Witnesses can and will synchronise their statements and collaborate with one another if allowed time together, especially when they are aware of the terms of an inquiry.
 
Nor is it prudent to hold all of Special Branch in suspicion for the disappearances. Having worked with them during covert operations, it is fair to say they are the hallmark of professionalism and experts in the procurement of intelligence.

They make up the combination of police craft when it comes to complementing the rule of law with rules of engagement and the law of the jungle. 

This is when investigators have to improvise actions and reactions when in pursuit of dangerous criminals. Although abduction is against the law but investigators have picked up suspects when time is of the essence to save victims’ lives. 

Reports normally follow later after the completion of an operation which may not be immediate. Everything is done in good faith and is protected by law as long as there is no mala fide!

Nevertheless there can be those who abuse the powers entrusted to them for their personal gain and beliefs. These are rogue officers using the agency’s facilities and equipment for rogue operations.

They must be identified, weeded out and prosecuted. Not only do they smear the good name of the force, they are dangerous criminals by every definition of serious crime. 

The police must welcome a professional and in-depth investigation that leaves no stone unturned to establish the whereabouts of the victims. A thorough probe will also help to exonerate the police if they are not involved. 

A task force should be formed to re investigate the disappearances of the two men, as concluded in the recent Suhakam inquiry. Every effort must be made to verify or dispel the hearsay evidence made available.

Investigators can be carefully chosen ands upervised by the MACC and Attoney-General’s Chambers as a fair alternative to normal police investigative procedures.

This will be crucial as the police cannot be expected to investigate their peers without fear or favour.

Proper and fair closure demands that justice be served to the relevant parties, including firm action against all those involved, as the case may be, regardless of rank and position. – April 5, 2019.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.