A SPECIAL investigative team, led by a police officer with the rank of Asst Comm (ACP), has been formed to investigate the cases of activist Amri Che Mat and pastor Raymond Koh, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said the government respects the principle of the rule of law and remains committed to seeking the truth and upholding justice.
“Although previous investigations were never closed, this team will be led by a police officer holding the rank of ACP, and the probe has already begun,” he told Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang).
Syed Ibrahim was asking the ministry to state its latest position on the court decisions related to Amri and Koh, specifically on the next steps the government will take, particularly regarding the SOP and credibility of the police force, given that it has a long history and an excellent record as the country’s largest enforcement agency.
Saifuddin Nasution said the team will review all initial investigation papers, including the Suhakam report and the previous special task force report.
“They will also gather new evidence, and we call on any party with information related to this case to come forward and assist the police in conducting the investigation,” he added.
He said the Attorney General (AG) has grounds to appeal High Court decisions in those cases.
He added that in cases where the government is a named defendant, the AG will review the judgment.
The AG, he said, concluded there are grounds to appeal, including matters related to financial commitments.
“However, this does not mean the government regards human life, rights and freedom lightly, or prioritises financial burden. This is based on upholding universal justice,” he added.
“So when the Attorney General determines there are grounds, that is what they proceed to do,” he said.
On Nov 5, High Court judge Su Tiang Joo ruled the police and the government liable for the disappearances.
In separate judgments, the judge awarded RM3mil to Amri’s wife Norhayati Mohd Ariffin and RM31mil to Koh’s family.
He cited police involvement, wrongful classifications and failures to conduct effective investigations.
Both men went missing within months of each other.
Amri disappeared in Perlis in November 2016 and Koh in Petaling Jaya in February 2017.
Norhayati filed a lawsuit to seek damages for her loss.
On Feb 11, 2020, Koh’s wife Susanna Liew filed a civil suit against 13 defendants, including the government.
