Police will comply with a court order to reopen investigations into the enforced disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh and to disclose his whereabouts, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
He stated that the move follows a ruling which found the government and police responsible for Koh’s disappearance. “From this point onwards, it falls within my responsibility to ensure the implementation of the court’s decision. Particularly as the court has directed the police to reopen or continue the investigation, and secondly, to produce Koh, to show proof of his existence and his whereabouts,” he said at a press conference after the 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons event in Putrajaya.
Saifuddin acknowledged that he inherited the case but would not use that as a reason for inaction. “The facts haven’t changed – this is a legacy I inherited. But that’s not an excuse. That’s why I need to get a closer picture of it,” he said.
On possible further action or appeals, he stressed that the matter lies with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). “I think logically, I can’t speak on behalf of the AGC. That’s their jurisdiction,” he said.
He outlined previous steps, including the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI), which confirmed elements of forced disappearance in Koh’s abduction, followed by a special task force in 2019. The task force’s report was later handed to the wife of Amri Che Mat after a High Court order. Although the attorney-general at the time filed an appeal, Saifuddin said it was not pursued.
He emphasised that his focus is now on ensuring full compliance with the court’s directives involving the police. “That’s what I’m working on with the inspector-general of police,” he added.
Last Wednesday, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Su Tiang Joo ruled that the police and the government were responsible for the disappearances of Koh and Amri. The court awarded Amri’s wife, Norhayati Ariffin, RM3 million in compensation, comprising RM2 million in general damages and RM1 million in exemplary damages, plus RM14,457.52 in special damages and RM250,000 in costs.
Separately, Su ordered the government to pay RM10,000 a day into a trust account for Koh until he is found. The sum, calculated from his abduction on 13 February 2017, now stands at about RM31.9 million. Koh was also awarded RM4 million in damages, RM1 million in aggravated damages due to the prolonged delay in locating him, and RM1 million for unconstitutional actions by the defendants.
In both cases, police were ordered to reopen investigations and submit progress reports to the attorney-general every two months.