Suhakam's inquiry into Raymond Koh's case should cease: EAIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Suhakam's inquiry into the case of missing Pastor Raymond Koh should cease, said observers from the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).
"The best body to decide on the ambit of Section 12 (of the Suhakam Act) is the AGC (Attorney General's Chambers). Suhakam should come up with a list of options or scenarios on how to proceed and assist in the decision-making process," the EAIC observers said, during submissions today.
Under Section 12(3) of the Suhakam Act 1999, during an inquiry into the infringement of a person's human rights, if the subject of an inquiry is heard in any court, the commission shall immediately cease the inquiry.
The inquiry was suspended after police charged Uber driver Lam Chang Nam with kidnapping Koh.
Lawyer Datuk Gurdial Nijar, who represents Koh's family, questioned why the police raised the objection to the inquiry so late into the proceedings.
"There were conflicting statements by the police, former IGP (Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar) and the investigating officer had said Lam was not involved. Police said it may have been a case of people trafficking. Now the police say it is kidnapping. Is this simply an attempt to stop the inquiry from proceeding," he said during submissions.
Gurdial said police have an obligation to attend the inquiry and explain the evidence they have on Lam.
"Their absence makes it look as though the state or police are trying to stifle this inquiry," he added.