Home minister pledges no cover-ups over 'enforced disappearances'

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has pledged that there will be no cover-up of any details related to the "enforced disappearances" of pastor Raymond Koh and activist Amri Che Mat.

Following the release of the National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) inquiry report on Koh and Amri, he said the Home Ministry has accepted that there was a basis to call for a committee to be set up to investigate its findings.

"We will discuss with the Attorney-General's Chambers to receive some guidance.

"And if it is agreed to by the cabinet, a chairperson and members will be named so that necessary work to establish the facts and relook into what has been reported by Suhakam, can be carried out as soon as possible," Muhyiddin said during a press conference at the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency air station in Subang today.

Suhakam, in its report released on April 3, concluded that Bukit Aman Special Branch was involved in the disappearance of Koh and Amri in 2016 and 2017. 

Subsequently, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun expressed disappointment with Suhakam's conclusion, but pledged full cooperation in the investigation of its alleged involvement in the enforced disappearances.

Muhyiddin further said the Home Ministry views the matter seriously not only because the case involves integrity of key agencies, but to provide closure to family members of the missing individuals.

"I have no hesitation to say that this is an important matter not only because it involve integrity of the agencies, but (what is) equally important is to find out what happened to the duo.

"For sure their families are waiting to know whether they are still alive or otherwise," he stressed.

Following the release of Suhakam's report, various groups had reiterated their calls for the government to set up an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), a move deliberated since more than a decade ago.

Asked on the government's commitment to set up IPCMC, Muhyiddin said there has been ongoing engagement processes with parties including the police and other enforcement agencies.

"We are going through a process and I hope that we can come up with a decision soon," he said.

Some 50 people representing a coalition of civil societies had marched to Parliament on Monday and submitted a memorandum calling for the immediate formation of IPCMC.

Their memorandum, which also cited official government statistics for over 200 death in custody cases, was received by Pakatan Harapan lawmakers and Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin had pledged to continue campaigning until their demand was met by the government. - Mkini