Suhakam to hold inquiry into disappearances of pastor, three others

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold a public inquiry into the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, social activist Amri Che Mat and Pastor Joshua Hilmi and wife, Ruth, beginning Oct 19.
In a statement today, it said the inquiry panel would comprise its commissioners Datuk Mah Weng Kwai as chairman, Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin and Dr Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh.
"To date, Suhakam has recorded 35 statements from witnesses of the cases and the inquiry process is aimed at finding answers and guidance on the situation," it said.
Koh, 62, went missing after he was abducted by a group of men in a convoy on Feb 13, while Amri, 44, was reported missing since last year.
Joshua and his wife were last seen by friends in Nov last year before disappearing without a trace.

According to the statement, the inquiry was to determine whether the cases were defined under the International Convention for Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances or were cases of voluntary disappearance in breach of criminal or civil law and, or human rights law.
"If the terms of reference have been established, the next step is to investigate how the breaches had come about and to identify the persons or agencies responsible.
"In addition, we will also investigate if there were administrative directives or procedures that had contributed to the breaches and also consider whether the authorities, in particular, the Royal Malaysia Police, had taken adequate action," it said.
According to Suhakam, the inquiry to be held at the Suhakam Inquiry Room, 13th Floor, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia at Jalan Sultan Ismail here is expected to complete by Nov 17. — Bernama