Task force to begin with Amri, given 6 months
The terms of reference for the task force looking into the alleged enforced disappearances of Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat have been established.
This includes setting a six-month time limit, and commencing with an investigation into Amri’s disappearance first as Koh’s case is subject to legal proceedings...
The terms of reference for the task force looking into the alleged enforced disappearances of Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat have been established.
This includes setting a six-month time limit, and commencing with an investigation into Amri’s disappearance first as Koh’s case is subject to legal proceedings.
However, the composition of the task force remains under discussion.
When met today, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin explained the delay.
“We want to make sure that they are impartial people who possess the appropriate qualifications.
“This is so that the task force’s report won’t be described as biased or as protecting anyone. This is important and that is why we are taking some time with it.
“[...] We have prepared the terms of reference on what needs to be done based on the (Suhakam) report about the cases,” he said when met after his ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House in Serdang this evening.
Muhyiddin was referring to the Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) inquiry into the cases.
The cabinet agreed to a task force last month after Suhakam’s inquiry concluded that Bukit Aman’s Special Branch was responsible for the disappearance of Koh and Amri.
The minister added he hoped to make a formal announcement on the task force members soon.
Six months to finish probe
Elaborating, Muhyiddin said that the task force will be given six months to complete their probe into both cases and present their findings to the cabinet.
The committee, when operational, will first scrutinise Amri's case as Koh’s disappearance, said Muhyiddin, was subject to a court case.
“Pastor Koh’s case is currently in court. When it first happened, someone involved was brought to court to be tried.
“[...] the taskforce will probably delay Koh’s case and first look at Amri’s case. We will pursue Koh’s case after the court makes a decision or else we could risk being cited for contempt of court.
“This is something that I think the family ought to know,” he explained.
Lam Chang Nam, who had previously been charged with extorting from Koh’s son, was in January 2018 slapped with a fresh charge of kidnapping Koh.
Little updates have surfaced about the trial since.
No request for Zakir Naik
On the separate matter, Muhyiddin said that Putrajaya had yet to receive a formal extradition request from India for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.
“We will not take any action or make any decision if we do not receive anything,” he said when asked about a Mumbai court’s request for Zakir to appear in person before it on July 31.
According to The Times of India, the court had warned that a non-bailable warrant would be issued against the preacher should he fail to appear.
Zakir, who has permanent residency status in Malaysia, is facing accusations of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India.
He has claimed that the allegations against him are false.
Last week, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad explained that Malaysia was “entitled” to know what will become of Zakir if it were to agree to any such extradition request for him.
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