Suhakam appeals for public assistance in probe on missing activists (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged those with information on the missing Malaysian activists to come forward and assist the commission with its investigation.
Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail (pix) said those with information over the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, Amri Che Mat, Pastor Joshua Hilmi and his wife Ruth could have their statement recorded from today until July 7.
He said statements could also be recorded through phone by contacting Suhakam's complaint division at 019-3338490.
"With relevant information from the public and our continuing investigation, it is the intention of Suhakam to use this information to take the process further," Razali said in a statement.
Suhakam had on April 21 initiated its independent probe over the mysterious nature of their disappearance, which had sparked much debate among the public.
Razali said much more needs to be done by the authorities considering that the cases remained unresolved until today and drew mounting public anxiety.
"Suhakam underscores that all direct victims and their families have the right to know the truth, to have effective access to justice and to obtain redress.
"The right to know the truth, which is the core of the issue, has an individual and collective dimension and the public at large are entitled to know about the circumstances of the missing person," he said.
Razali also called the authorities to expeditiously investigate all cases with reasonable suspicion that an "enforced disappearance" might have occurred.
"Suhakam underlines that ready availability of information on issues of public concern is of vital importance in a democratic society with an avowed commitment to transparency," he added.
Meanwhile in an immediate response, Susanna Liew, the wife of Koh, said she welcomed Suhakam's investigation into the unsolved cases of disappearances, including the abduction of her husband on February 13.
"We are grateful that Suhakam has underscored the right of victims and families to have access to justice and the truth, and we will fully support the commission's investigation, including giving our statements.
"We urge others who have information about these cases to step forward and to do the same, especially the authorities who have been less than transparent about these cases.
"I also agree with Suhakam that these cases are a matter of public concern and as such, the Malaysian public have a right to know the truth as well," she said.