PUTRAJAYA: The police will reopen investigations into the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, following a recent High Court ruling that directed the authorities to do so.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said the decision was made after reviewing the court’s directive.
“The court has clearly instructed the police to do two things: reopen or continue the investigation, and present Pastor Koh to show proof of his existence and whereabouts,” he said during a press conference here during the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDAT) 2025 on Monday (Nov 10).
Saifuddin said this after receiving a full briefing on the case from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) last Friday (Nov 7).
He said the ministry was taking the directive seriously as the court had also ruled that failure to comply would result in financial commitments that the government must bear.
“This matter now falls under police jurisdiction. That is why, before making any decisions, I needed to gain a closer understanding of the facts of the case.
“It is my responsibility now to ensure that the directives are implemented,” he said.
Saifuddin said he could not comment on the government’s appeal against the High Court’s decision, as the matter falls under the AGC’s purview.
“My focus is on the part that involves the police, as ordered by the court.
“That is what I am currently working on with the Inspector-General of Police,” he added.
The High Court had earlier ordered the government to pay RM3.26mil in damages to the family of missing activist Amri Che Mat and over RM37mil to Koh’s family after ruling that the authorities were responsible for their disappearances.
Amri was last seen on Nov 24, 2016, while Koh disappeared on Feb 13, 2017.
Both cases were previously investigated by a Royal Commission of Inquiry, which found elements of forced disappearance, and later by a special task force established in 2019.
