The Malaysian Insight

IT is surprising that incidents with elements of power abuse or high-level cover ups can still sometimes shock Malaysians, who have perhaps come to expect such exposés since last year’s change of government.

But we should all be more than just shocked at Suhakam’s conclusion at the end of a lengthy public inquiry last week that the state was responsible for the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh and activist Amri Che Mat.

For more than two years, the families of Koh and Amri have lived out their worst nightmares. After both men suddenly vanished, their families were left pretty much on their own to battle the despair and the red tape that has hindered their search for the truth.

If not for the unwavering support of but a handful of NGO’s intent on keeping their stories alive, Koh and Amri’s disappearances would likely have gone down history as just two more unsolved cases.

Prior to Suhakam’s report, coffeeshop talk has long been rife with theories that the two men were kidnapped by the state because, it was whispered, they had clashed with powerful Islamic authorities.

Suhakam’s confirmation of these rumours should quite honestly terrify every Malaysian who has till now felt safe under the protection of our leaders and security forces.

For more than two years, some within our top leadership must have been aware of the fate of the two Malaysians known in their respective communities as men of good standing who have helped dozens of their fellowmen

These authority figures, whose identities remain shrouded in mystery, may or may not have ordered the abductions, but they are guilty nonetheless for keeping silent.

Equally guilty are those who were merely “carrying out orders”, or even members of the public who might have witnessed something – anything – related to the two men’s whereabouts but had chosen to be silent.

There is still too much we don’t know about Koh and Amri’s abductions, but we cannot let the shock of Suhakam’s revelations fade into indifference.

For those who are not bothered by the damning allegations, we need to realise that if the state could sanction the kidnapping of two Malaysians who had not broken any of the country’s laws and who were not threats to national security, it could do the same to us, our family, and our friends.

We must not stop at shock and scandal, but must demand answers from our leaders, from the heads of the secretive Special Branch and from all who were incriminated in the Suhakam findings.

Top of the list of things that must be addressed is the fate of the two men. Where is Koh and Amri? At the very least, their families must be granted the relief of knowing where their remains lie. They deserve this closure.

After that, Putrajaya must leave no stone unturned in investigating the incident and revealing the truth – no matter how terrifying – of the chain of events that had led to the loss of two husbands, two fathers and two friends, in the hands of those sworn to protect us.

Perhaps public apathy had played a role in delaying justice for these two men and their families. But if we want to do what’s right, and play a part in creating a government that is more open, transparent and safe for all Malaysians – regardless of religious inclination – then we cannot afford to remain indifferent now.

If we still fail to speak up or act that Suhakam has confirmed some of our greatest fears, then we will forever bear the shame that two of our fellow Malaysians were kidnapped on government orders –  while we stood by and did nothing. – April 10, 2019.

* Julia Yeow has been in journalism for two decades and counts it as her first love, despite enjoying brief stints as a lecturer, clown and salad maker. She is a strong believer in social justice, and holds that there is sometimes more truth in the greys, than the blacks and whites.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.