THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for accountability, transparency and justice in all cases of enforced disappearances.
Suhakam demanded the immediate release of the findings of the task force established in 2019 in investigating the disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat as well as the inquiry into the disappearance of Joshua Helmi and Ruth Sitepu.
"Despite the passage of several years, the lack of transparency regarding the task force's report continues to cause immense distress to the affected families, who remain desperate for answers and closure; and had to resort to the judicial process for the disclosure of the report.
"We strongly believe that public access to the findings of this investigation is essential not only for the purpose of compliance with the principle of transparency but also to achieving justice, fostering public trust, and enabling healing for those affected," Suhakam said in a statement marking International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
In 2019, Suhakam commenced an inquiry into their cases, underscoring the ongoing need for comprehensive investigations into all enforced disappearances in Malaysia.
"The families of Joshua and Ruth, like those of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat, continue to live in anguish and uncertainty."
Suhakam urged the government to accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
It hoped that the country will one day ensure that adequate legal recognition and remedies are available for victims of enforced disappearances
"Suhakam expresses its deepest concern and sympathies to the families of the victims and their loved ones for the grief, anxiety, and sadness arising from the enforced disappearances.
"In line with the guiding principles for the search for disappeared persons, Suhakam underscores that all investigations must be conducted under the presumption that the individuals are alive.
"It is imperative to approach these cases with a comprehensive strategy that respects human dignity and ensures that searches are thorough, independent, and impartial, in accordance with international standards," it said.
In 2022, Suhakam said the cases of Raymond, Joshua, Ruth, and Amri were linked.
Lawyer Philip Koh, who represented Joshua and Ruth, also said this while submitting his closing statements at the Suhakam public inquiry aimed at establishing the facts and events leading up to the couple’s disappearance.
Philip said Amri’s abduction, which took place on November 24, 2016, was connected to the disappearance of Joshua and Ruth, which took place just six days later, and Raymond, who was abducted on February 13 the following year.
The lawyer said Awaludin Jaid, a retired Special Branch police officer, had in a November 6, 2016 speech at the Home Ministry, called Christian proselytisers, election watchdog Bersih, and proponents of Shia teachings the “real enemies”. – September 1, 2024
