Malaysian court rules police and government liable for pastor Raymond Koh’s abduction

MALAYSIA: The wife of missing Malaysian pastor Raymond Koh has won a landmark lawsuit against the police and government, eight years after his mysterious abduction — a case that has long gripped the nation.

Pastor Koh was abducted in 2017 when masked men stopped his car in a suburb of Kuala Lumpur. His whereabouts remain unknown.

His family has consistently alleged that he was taken by the police.

On Wednesday (5 Nov), the High Court ruled that Koh had been forcibly disappeared, holding both the Royal Malaysian Police and the government responsible for his abduction — Malaysia’s first such judgment.

The court ordered the state to pay more than RM37 million (approximately US$8.83 million) in total compensation to the family.

Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, filed the lawsuit in 2020, just before the three-year limitation period expired, after years of unsuccessful efforts to obtain answers from the authorities.

She sought to hold the state accountable for Koh’s unlawful abduction on 13 February 2017 along Jalan SS4B/10 in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, when his car was surrounded by seven vehicles and about 15 masked individuals.

Family’s Response: “A Vindication and Closure”

Following the verdict, Liew expressed gratitude for what she described as a fair and honest judgment.

“We are overjoyed and thankful to God that we have a fair and honest judgment,” she said.

“Though this will not bring Pastor Raymond back, it is somewhat a vindication and closure for the family. We dedicate this struggle and judgment to Pastor Raymond Koh, a man of compassion and courage, and to all victims of enforced disappearances.”

Parallel Case: Activist Amri Che Mat

The disappearance of Pastor Koh, along with that of activist Amri Che Mat, occurred between late 2016 and early 2017 and sparked widespread public speculation.

Koh’s abduction drew particular attention as it happened in broad daylight, was captured on CCTV, and witnessed by passers-by.

Both families maintained that the police were involved, which the authorities repeatedly denied.

Two separate investigations — one by Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission and another by the government — concluded that both men were likely abducted by the elite Special Branch police unit.

The reports found that the men were viewed as threats to mainstream Islam in Muslim-majority Malaysia.

A classified government report, later revealed through legal action, stated that “rogue cops” were responsible for the abductions and that the operation was led by an officer with “extreme views” against Christians and Shia Muslims.

Koh had allegedly been targeted for proselytising to Muslims, which his family denied. Apostasy and proselytisation of Muslims are prohibited in Malaysia.

Amri, a Shia Muslim, was viewed with suspicion due to his religious beliefs in a predominantly Sunni nation.

Court Awards Record Compensation

The High Court found police officials, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the Malaysian government liable for Pastor Koh’s abduction.

In addition to compensation for emotional distress, the court ruled that RM10,000 (US$2,385) in general damages must be paid for each day since Koh’s abduction, continuing until his whereabouts are disclosed by the state — amounting to more than RM31.8 million (US$7.6 million) as of the ruling.

The money will be deposited into a trust fund that cannot be disbursed to Koh’s wife and children until his fate — whether alive or deceased — is confirmed.

The court also awarded RM6 million (US$1.4 million) in exemplary and aggravated damages to both Koh and his wife, as well as RM250,000 (US$59,780) in legal costs.

The court also ordered the state to reopen the investigation and ascertain Koh's whereabouts.

In a related judgment, the High Court also found the government and police liable for the disappearance of activist Amri Che Mat.

His wife, Norhayati Mohd Ariffin, who filed a separate suit, was awarded about RM3 million.

“The feeling of sadness remains because questions about Amri’s whereabouts — whether he is alive, dead, or in good health — are still unanswered,” she said.

“We sincerely hope that those responsible will be held accountable for what they have done.”

Malaysia’s Attorney General’s Chambers has confirmed it will appeal both High Court rulings.