DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo has agreed to meet with Pastor Raymond Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, following the latter’s appeal for his support.
Liew had sought the digital minister’s backing on Dec 1, following the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) appeal against a High Court verdict which found the government and police liable for Koh’s disappearance.
When contacted, Gobind’s office briefly said they are making arrangements for a meeting with Liew and her lawyers “early next week”.
Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that Liew had written to Gobind (above) seeking a meeting to share information that would better equip the minister to raise the matter in Parliament or public discourse.
“I turn to you because you are a voice that stands for transparency and human dignity, as your late father was, who we are so beholden to and appreciative of.
“I have read how you speak up not just for cases, but for principles, and I truly believe your voice matters at this moment,” Liew said in the letter addressed to Gobind.
Koh abducted
In 2017, Koh was abducted in broad daylight along Jalan SS4B/10 in Petaling Jaya while driving to a friend’s house. CCTV footage believed to have captured the incident showed at least 15 men and three black SUVs involved in the operation.
The previous year, social activist Amri Che Mat, who was an alleged Shia follower and proselytiser, vanished on Nov 24, 2016, in Kangar, Perlis. His wife had testified that on May 12, 2018, a Special Branch officer from Perlis, Shamzaini Daud, told her the division was responsible for the abduction.
In his ruling on Nov 5, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Su Tiang Joo upheld a 2019 Suhakam inquiry which concluded that Koh and Amri were victims of enforced disappearance carried out by Special Branch members from Bukit Aman.
Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar later confirmed that the AGC would be filing an appeal against the rulings, asserting that the decision was not based on established judicial principles since the judge “erred in his findings” regarding the facts and the law applicable.
Clearing the air
When met at a forum held at the Malaysian Bar in Kuala Lumpur today, Liew said she had placed her hopes on a meeting with Gobind as the lawmaker is known to be a human rights defender vocal against violations of personal liberties.
She also told Malaysiakini that while she had written to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail last month, she has yet to hear back from the minister.
“Our family is disappointed that he (Saifuddin) is not forthcoming and not willing to hear our side of the story. He has listened to the AGC’s side, but he needs to support our side.
“We also have a few questions for him, mainly concerning the reinvestigation (into Koh and Amri’s disappearances), such as who is the assistant commissioner that has been tasked with leading the probe and who else is on the team,” she added.
As such, she said a meeting with Saifuddin would aid in clearing the air.
Saifuddin’s silence
In a Nov 12 letter addressed to Saifuddin, Liew thanked the minister for his affirmation that the police will comply with the High Court’s order to reopen the investigation and to reveal Koh’s whereabouts.
She noted, however, that to get the police “to investigate themselves” themselves is only viable if it is done by persons of impeccable integrity and honesty, who will uphold the truth and justice in accordance with the law, regardless of the personalities investigated.
Liew also put forth Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay as the family’s pick for the leader of any police investigation into Koh’s disappearance.
“(Ayob) is known among members of the public as a person of integrity and honesty, and we have confidence that he won’t be intimidated, daunted or frightened to do what is just and right, despite high-ranking police officers being involved in the abductions.
“The appointment of (Ayob), who is also known for his extensive investigative experience and strong public stance on discipline and integrity among the police officers under him, would send a clear signal that the investigation is being taken seriously and will proceed independently, thoroughly and with credibility,” she added.
In a follow-up letter dated Nov 28, after receiving “no acknowledgement or response” from Saifuddin or his office, Liew reiterated that if the new investigation is led with the same structure, it risks becoming “another box-ticking exercise with a pre-determined outcome.”
“YB, my family and I have suffered almost nine years of pain, silence and uncertainty, since Feb 13, 2017.
“We do not seek conflict. We seek answers. We seek fairness and the basic human right to know the truth, so that no other family will have to go through what we are experiencing,” she added.
Malaysiakini has reached out to Saifuddin for his comments on the matter, but has yet to receive a response.
‘Terrible state to be in’
Speaking at the forum titled “Justice for the Disappeared”, held at the Malaysian Bar’s auditorium today and organised by the National Human Rights Society (Hakam), Liew said she and her family still suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“The strong and frequent interrogations after (Koh’s) abduction made me feel like a criminal, instead of a victim. I did not deserve such treatment,” a visibly emotional Liew said.
“My daughter has depression and panic attacks, signs of how she remains physically affected by what happened. We have both gone for counselling to help cope with the emotional and mental anguish caused by the abduction and the way the police handled the case.”
She also said that as long as there is uncertainty surrounding Koh’s whereabouts, the family will not be able to find closure, labelling their situation as a “terrible state to be in”.
“(If your loved one dies), you can say goodbye to them and have a funeral, but for us, it’s difficult as we cannot grieve - we don’t know if (Koh) is dead or alive.
“Wherever he is, I know he is with God. We will see him one day in heaven, where there will be no more tears, suffering, or pain,” she said.
A mute govt
Expressing similar sentiments, Amri’s wife, Norhayati Ariffin, told the audience about how she and her husband had married in 1997 and now have four daughters, one of whom has started a family of her own, while the other will be graduating today.
She added that despite the High Court enforcing the conclusion that her husband was a victim of an enforced disappearance, the government remains “mute” on several important questions, including Amri’s whereabouts and who caused him to disappear.
“Until when will those who are responsible be free without justice? Why were they (Koh and Amri) abducted like that? Are they still alive? Where are they?” she asked.
“Who in the police and government helped or closed their eyes and allowed this crime to happen? When will they be prosecuted?
“What disciplinary action will be taken against the police officers who were involved? Who was deliberately negligent in investigating Amri and Koh’s cases?” she pressed.
She emphasised that until the government provides answers to such questions, she and Koh’s family will continue their fight for justice. - Mkini
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