The spouse of a Malaysian pastor who was kidnapped eight years ago has successfully won a lawsuit against both the police and the government, marking a significant case that has captivated the entire nation.
In 2017, Raymond Koh was forcibly removed from his vehicle by masked individuals in a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, the capital. His current location remains a mystery, as his family has consistently claimed that he was taken by law enforcement.
On Wednesday, the high court determined that he had been forcibly disappeared, with the judge holding both the government and police accountable for his abduction. This ruling represents Malaysia’s first judgement of its kind.
Additionally, the court mandated that the state must compensate at least 31 million ringgit (£5.7 million; $7.4 million) in damages, which is expected to aid Mr. Koh’s family. This amount is poised to become the largest in the history of Malaysian legal proceedings.
In a heartfelt address after the ruling, his wife Susanna Liew expressed to reporters: “We are filled with joy and gratitude to God for receiving a fair and just verdict.
“While this will not bring Pastor Raymond back, it offers a sense of vindication and closure for our family,” she remarked.
“We dedicate this fight and this ruling to Pastor Raymond Koh, a man of kindness and bravery, and to all those who have fallen victim to enforced disappearances.”
The case of Mr. Koh, alongside the kidnapping of activist Amri Che Mat, has captivated Malaysia for a long time.
Both incidents occurred within a few months of each other, from late 2016 to early 2017, sparking intense public speculation.
Mr. Koh’s situation, in particular, garnered significant media attention as his abduction happened in broad daylight, was recorded on CCTV, and witnessed by bystanders.
Both families have maintained that the men were taken by the police, a claim that the police have consistently refuted.
The disappearances of these men led to two separate investigations: one by Malaysia’s human rights commission and another by the government.
Ultimately, both investigations concluded that the men were likely abducted by the elite Special Branch of the police, who viewed them as threats to mainstream Islam in a predominantly Muslim Malaysia.
The government report, which remained classified until the families pursued legal action for access, indicated that “rogue officers” were accountable for the abductions, and the official in charge of the operation held “extreme views” against Christians and Shia Muslims.
Mr. Koh was targeted due to suspicions of him proselytizing to Muslims, a claim his family has denied. Apostasy is prohibited in Malaysia.
Amri Che Mat was also under scrutiny as a Shia Muslim, in a country that practices a moderate form of Sunni Islam.
The wives of Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat have each filed lawsuits against the state for damages and to compel the authorities to disclose their husbands’ locations.
On Wednesday, the high court determined that the police officials, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the Malaysian government are responsible for the abduction of Mr. Koh.
In addition to granting several million ringgit to Ms. Liew for emotional distress, the judge mandated that 10,000 ringgit (£1,830; $2,385) be awarded for each day of Mr. Koh’s disappearance, beginning from the day he was taken until the state reveals his location.
The judge further instructed the state to reopen the investigation and find out Mr. Koh’s whereabouts.
As of Wednesday, the total amount of general damages has reached approximately 31.8 million ringgit. This final amount is anticipated to be the largest compensation in Malaysian history, according to the lawyers representing Ms. Liew.
The funds will be placed into a trust, with Ms. Liew and her children likely designated as beneficiaries.
The high court judge also held the government and police accountable for the abduction of Amri Che Mat. His wife, Norhayati, who filed a lawsuit for lesser charges compared to Ms. Liew’s case, was awarded around 3 million ringgit.
“The feeling of sadness persists because we still have no answers regarding Amri’s fate—whether he is alive, deceased, or in good health,” Norhayati expressed to reporters.
“We genuinely hope that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.”
Malaysia’s Attorney General’s Chambers has announced its intention to appeal both decisions.
