KUALA LUMPUR: The RM31mil in damages awarded to Pastor Raymond Koh, who went missing since 2017, has been stayed by the High Court following an application by the government.
Justice Mahazan Mat Taib, in her decision, said the defendant had established special circumstances for it to stay the payment.
The judge acknowledged that Koh remains missing, and if the payment were to proceed, he would not be able to receive the damages awarded at this stage by virtue of the express terms of the judgment itself.
“The monies would be immobilised in a trust account, pending the outcome of the appeal or settlement of the first plaintiff’s whereabouts.
“The plaintiff therefore does not stand to enjoy useful benefit from the damages awarded,” she said here yesterday.
The court was also satisfied that no material prejudice has been demonstrated on the part of the plaintiff if a stay was granted.
Justice Mahazan said the court took into account all relevant circumstances bearing on the enforcement of the judgment, including practicality and reversibility.
“A refusal of stay would expose the defendants to irreversible administrative and financial consequences, not withstanding the judgment is currently under appeal.
“Accordingly, the application for a stay and the consequential order is allowed pending the disposal of the appeal,” she added.
On Nov 5, 2025, the High Court ordered the government and the police to pay RM31mil in damages to Koh’s family over their involvement in his abduction in 2017.
The court ordered the government to pay RM10,000 per day to Koh’s family from the date of his disappearance on Feb 13, 2017, until he is found.
On Feb 11, 2020, Koh’s wife Susanna Liew (pic) filed a civil suit against 13 defendants, including the government, over his disappearance.
Koh, who founded the NGO Harapan Komuniti, was abducted by armed men in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on Feb 13, 2017, while on his way to a friend’s house.
CCTV footage of the incident shows at least 15 men in tactical gear and three black SUVs involved in the abduction, which was done in a “professional” style.
