Suhakam to hold public inquiry into disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, three others

Raymond Koh.

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will be holding a 10-day public inquiry into the disappearance of four people including Pastor Raymond Koh (pix).

In a statement Thursday, Suhakam said in accordance with section 12(1) of the Human Rights Commission Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597), the public inquiry on the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, social activist Amri Che Mat, Pastor Joshua Hilmi and his wife, Ruth Sitepu will be held for three days from Oct 19.

It will also be held for seven days in November.

"To date, Suhakam has recorded 35 statements from witnesses for all cases and the inquiry process is meant to answer questions, and to shine a light on the situation," it said. 

Suhakam said the panel of inquiry consist of commissioners Datuk Mah Weng Kwai as chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin and Dr Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh. 

Koh's family spokesman said they were hopeful that the inquiry will be able to come up with answers especially about the police investigation. 

"We hope that Suhakam will call upon former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to testify in the inquiry as he seemed to be a spokesman for the police on this case. 

"We also hope that the new IGP (Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun) will ensure the police will cooperate fully and truthfully in clarifying a lot of matters that the public are confused about, as well as other investigations involving other disappearances as well," the spokesman said.

Suhakam said the terms of reference for the inquiry were to determine whether these were cases of enforced disappearances or are cases of involuntary disappearances in breach of criminal, civil law or applicable human rights laws. 

Suhakam added that if during the inquiry, it was established that there was a case of enforced disappearance or involuntary disappearance, then it will determine how the breach came about, and to identify the persons or agencies responsible.   

It will also determine what administrative directives, procedures, or arrangements contributed to such breaches.   

It said the inquiry will also consider whether the authorities, specifically the Royal Malaysian Police, have taken adequate steps to investigate the alleged breaches and it will recommend guidelines to ensure that such breaches do not recur.