Task force to begin with Amri, given 6 months

The terms of reference for the task force looking into the alleged enforced disappearances of Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat have been established.

This includes setting a six-month time limit, and commencing with an investigation into Amri’s disappearance first as Koh’s case is subject to legal proceedings.  

However, the composition of the task force remains under discussion.

When met today, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin explained the delay.

“We want to make sure that they are impartial people who possess the appropriate qualifications.

“This is so that the task force’s report won’t be described as biased or as protecting anyone. This is important and that is why we are taking some time with it,” he said when met after his ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House in Serdang this evening.

The minister added he hoped to make a formal announcement soon.

Elaborating, he said that the task force will be given six months to complete their probe into both cases.

“We have prepared the terms of reference on what needs to be done based on the (Suhakam) report about the cases.

“We think six months is a suitable time frame for the task force to finish their work - after which a report of their findings will be presented to the cabinet,” he said.

Muhyiddin was referring to the Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) inquiry into the cases.

The cabinet agreed to a task force last month after Suhakam’s inquiry concluded that Bukit Aman’s Special Branch was responsible for the disappearances of Koh and Amri.

Muhyiddin said today that the task force, when operational, will first scrutinise Amri, as Koh’s disappearance is subject to a court case.

[More to follow] - Mkini