State agents not involved in ‘enforced disappearances’ of Joshua Hilmy and wife, says Suhakam

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has concluded that the disappearance of Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth Sitepu is a “case of enforced disappearances”.

Suhakam commissioner Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Yunus said their disappearance was carried out by a person or persons unknown under the acquiescence of the authorities.

“Although the panel did not find evidence that they were abducted by state agents, it did however note that negligence by the authorities to investigate the case diligently had hampered the investigation progress,” he said after releasing findings on the public inquiry on their disappearance on Friday (April 15).

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Both Joshua and Ruth were reported missing back in November 2016. The couple was married in 2004.

Suhakam had initiated investigations in connection with the disappearances under Section 12(1) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act.

The panel of inquiry was chaired by commissioner Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Yunus and assisted by commissioners Jerald Joseph and Dr Madeline Berma.

The hearings commenced on Feb 18, 2020, at Suhakam headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Suhakam initiated investigations in connection with the disappearances under Section 12(1) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act.

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In April 2019, Suhakam concluded in their inquiries that Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat were victims of "enforced disappearance by state agents".

In announcing the findings of the public inquiry on April 3, 2020, Suhakam had said that there was "direct and circumstantial evidence which proves, on balance of probabilities, that he was abducted by state agents, by Special Branch, Bukit Aman".