Men in blue had not been “honest” in carrying out their duties and in their testimonies during public inquiry.
The announcement that police are seeking an “important witness” to assist in investigations into the disappearance of Amri Che Mat was “too little, too late”, said the family and lawyer of the activist, who has been missing for almost three years.
They praised Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador for taking the case seriously, but expressed regret that the men in blue had not been “honest” in carrying out their duties and in their testimonies during the Malaysian Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) public inquiry into the disappearance of Amri and Pastor Raymond Koh.
Police yesterday released a photograph of Saiful Bahari, a former civilian employee attached to the Special Branch, whose car was reportedly seen outside Amri’s house before the activist was abducted.
Lawyer Jerald Gomez told The Malaysian Insight that police could have easily tracked down Saiful if only they had been honest in carrying out their duties.
“During the inquiry, the investigation officer (IO) did not tell us about a Toyota Vios that was spotted outside Amri’s house (in Perlis), and later, at Pulapol (Police Training Centre in Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur).
“We were told about this by another officer, not the IO. We recalled the IO, and only then did he tell us about the car, and that the owner was Saiful.
“By then, Saiful had already resigned from whatever position he held in the force, and he could not be located to give evidence during the inquiry.

“If only police had been truthful then, we could have had something today. Having said that, we are happy that the cops are finally looking into this.”
Saiful’s failure to testify prompted Suhakam to accuse police of not cooperating in the inquiry. The commission said given that Saiful was employed by police, they should have no problem tracking him down.
Gomez said the family’s own investigations uncovered that Saiful recently renewed his car insurance, and therefore, is still in the country.
“We checked with the Road Transport Department, and found that he renewed his road tax and insurance. He is still in the country.”
Norhayati Ariffin, Amri’s wife, said although it is too late to track Saiful down, police’s efforts are deserving of praise.

“Yes, it is too late. But at least, there is some development in the case. I am grateful.”
Suhakam’s 18-month inquiry concluded that Amri and Koh were victims of enforced disappearance, and pointed to the involvement of Bukit Aman’s Special Branch.
Norhayati said five vehicles blocked Amri’s car before he was snatched some 500m from their Bukit Chabang home on November 24, 2016.
Koh, meanwhile, was abducted by a group of men in Petaling Jaya while on his way to a friend’s house on February 13, 2017.
The incident, which was captured on CCTV, showed at least 15 men in three black SUVs carrying out the abduction.
Federal Criminal Investigation Department principal assistant director Mior Faridalathrash Wahid told The Malaysian Insight that police had looked for Saiful on several occasions, but he could not be found.
“We did look for him. We went to his last known address and tried contacting him, but he never responded. We hope that the public can help us locate this man.”
Those with information can contact inspector Wan Ahmad Zakiman Wan at 03-2266-6071 or 013-711-7025. – TMI
Earlier report: Aug 29, Cops Looking for “Important Witness” in Missing Activist Amri Case