The International Federation for Human Rights, in a joint statement with its member organisation Suaram and civil society coalition Citizen Action Group on Enforced Disappearance (Caged), has called on Malaysian authorities to act on two alleged incidents of enforced disappearance.

The statement came after months of fruitless searching for Perlis Hope activist Amri Che Mat and Christian pastor Raymond Koh, who were both confronted by a team of unidentified men and bundled into their convoys.

"Several elements strongly suggest the involvement of individuals with ties to state actors in both abductions.

"First, the abductions appeared to have been carefully planned and were professionally executed, with both operations taking less than 60 seconds.

"Second, the abductors appeared to be well-funded (they had several vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks) and – in the case of Amri Che Mat’s abduction – possessed firearms.

"Finally, to date, no ransoms have been demanded, nor have the families been contacted directly or indirectly by the abductors – a fact that suggests the abduction was not carried out for monetary gain," the NGOs said in a statement today.

Koh was kidnapped on Feb 13 while Amri was abducted on Nov 24 last year.

The NGOs also questioned the commitment of the police in resolving the cases.

"Malaysia’s inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has made numerous public statements that illustrate animosity towards the parties demanding a thorough investigation and provided no meaningful information on the status of the police investigations," they said.

Meanwhile, Suaram executive director and Caged member D Sevan urged authorities not to cover up the cases.

“Instead of trying to sweep these two serious crimes under the carpet, the Malaysian authorities must seriously investigate these two disappearances and inform the victims’ relatives about the progress and results of the investigations. 

"The government should also immediately begin the process of ratifying the convention on enforced disappearance,” Sevan said.

Koh was driving in Petaling Jaya when three black SUVs blocked his vehicle on the road.

Eight masked men dressed in black then alighted and within one minute, Koh and his car were removed from the scene.

The incident was caught on CCTV.

In the case of Amri, eyewitnesses said he was stopped by a five-vehicle convoy near his house in Kangar.

It was reported that 15 to 20 men, some bearing arms, snatched him from his vehicle.