SUHAKAM INQUIRY | The Perlis state Islamic affairs department (Jaip) had cracked down on NGO Perlis Hope over "aggressive promotions" of its social welfare activities on Facebook that allegedly leaned towards Syiah teachings.

Jaip director Hazman Hassan said he noticed the postings had intensified around September 2016 and decided to take what he said were preventive actions.

"I personally looked through the postings and found, for example, one that claimed that making donations was one way to prevent bad luck on unlucky days.

"According to our Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah belief, there is no such thing as unlucky days. All days are good and whatever Allah SWT has willed to happen has blessings," said Hazman who is the 11th witness to testify before the inquiry led by Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai.

The inquiry is investigating the disappearances of Amri Che Mat (above) who was attached to Perlis Hope which categorised itself as a social welfare NGO.

Hazman also claimed that Perlis Hope's postings had made it appear as if other state agencies including the Baitulmal welfare organisation had failed in their duty to assist the people.

"Perlis Hope's postings, if the matter was not curtailed, could stir public unrest.

"Their postings made it seem as if the other state agencies were not carrying out their duties and this could cast doubt on the state religious affairs authorities," Hazman said.

At the time, he said he had only assumed his position for about three months and was still learning the ropes.

In reaction to the postings, Hazman said he had sought cooperation from the state education department through a letter dated Sept 21, 2016, to prevent Perlis Hope from participating in any school-related activities.

"I heard rumours that they (Perlis Hope) wanted to enter schools in Perlis on the pretext of giving away free school uniforms.

"Before that happened, I wanted to inform them (the education department) about it," said Hazman who confirmed that no further action was taken against Perlis Hope after that.

On Jan 25, Perlis Hope activist Faisol Abdul Rahman in his testimony before the panel reportedly said that a government department had told the organisation to cancel a programme to give out school bags and uniforms.

"They said that they got instructions from above to stop it. They told me to understand,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.

Witness re-examination

The inquiry was adjourned at 4.30pm and Mah (above) said the panel would re-convene for another three days from May 15.

The panel will then recall for cross-examination the ninth witness, inspector Khor Yu Shuen, the lead police investigating officer for Amri's alleged abduction.

Others expected to take the stand include more police witnesses from the Perlis state contingent and the Kangar district police station.

Suhakam is investigating whether the disappearances of Amri and two others were “enforced or involuntary,” as defined by the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED).

This is defined as the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the state or by persons, or groups of persons acting with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of the state.

The instrument was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006. Malaysia is not a signatory to the ICPPED.

The two other disappearances being investigated are that of pastor Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth Sitepu.

The commission had previously investigated pastor Raymond Koh’s disappearance but was forced to suspend proceedings after former Uber driver Lam Chang Nam was charged in court for abducting Koh.

The law bars Suhakam from probing matters which have been brought before the court.