Re-open the Case of Amri Che Mat and Raymond Koh, Get UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances Involved

Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy welcome the conclusion of the SUHAKAM’s public inquiry on the disappearances of activist Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh. We urge the federal government to conduct a fresh investigation with the participation of United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

The involvement of international experts is crucial because the police have failed to conduct independent and professional investigation on cases of human rights violations, such as the first probe into the disappearances of Amri and Koh, the custodial death of Kugan and Teoh Beng Hock. The police must recuse themselves from the new probe as police cannot investigate police themselves.

The SUHAKAM’s conclusion that the special branch of police involved in the enforced disappearances of Amri and Koh is shocking. Stern action must be taken against those implicated in the abduction of the victims should the allegation proved true in the fresh investigation.

Pakatan Harapan was elected on promises of democratic and human rights reforms, it has obligation to right all wrongs committed by the previous government, including the enforced disappearances of Amri and Koh.

Justice delayed is justice denied. The perpetrators must be brought to court as soon as possible, the government must ensure justice for the families of Amri and Koh.

It is also high time for the government to reform and trim down the special branch of police and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

Ng Geok Chee

Chairperson

Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy