Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed today that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has established a special investigation team, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), to probe the disappearances of Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh.
The announcement comes after court rulings found that previous police investigations into the cases were inadequate.
“On November 5, the High Court held the government responsible for these lapses, awarding RM3.3 million in damages to Amri Che Mat’s widow and RM37 million to Raymond Koh’s family,” Saifuddin told the Dewan Rakyat. “Additionally, the court imposed a penalty of RM10,000 per day until Koh’s whereabouts are revealed.”
The Home Minister was responding to a question from Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh regarding government action following the court’s decision.
The ACP-led team will review all prior investigation files, including reports from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the previous special task force, while also gathering new evidence.
Saifuddin noted that the Attorney General has reviewed the ruling and sees valid reasons for a potential appeal, particularly regarding financial obligations. He stressed that pursuing an appeal does not reflect a diminished commitment to human life or individual freedoms.
“Our focus remains on upholding the rule of law, seeking justice, and restoring confidence in our institutions,” he said, urging members of the public with relevant information to come forward.
Amri Che Mat was reported missing on November 25, 2016, and Pastor Raymond Koh on February 13, 2017. Both cases were investigated under Section 365 of the Penal Code, which pertains to abduction and wrongful confinement.
In Amri’s case, police recorded statements from 80 witnesses, while one suspect who failed to attend a Suhakam inquiry was blacklisted and had a warrant issued for his arrest. For Koh, police took statements from 39 witnesses.
