Suhakam to hold public inquiry into disappearances of individuals

KUALA LUMPUR - The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold a public inquiry on the disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh, social activist Amri Che Mat; Pastor Joshua and his wife, Ruth Hilmi.

The inquiry will be held in accordance with section 12(1) of the Human Rights Commission Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597) and will take place on Oct 19, 20 and 30 as well as Nov 2,3,13,14,15,16 & 17.

In a statement today, Suhakam said to date it has recorded 35 statements from witnesses for all cases and the inquiry process is meant to answer questions, and to shine a light on the situation.

The panel of inquiry are made yup of Suhaklam Commissioners Datuk Mah Weng Kwai (Chairperson), Prof Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin and Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh.

The terms of reference for the Inquiry are:

- To determine whether these are cases of enforced disappearances as defined under

the International Convention for Protection of all Persons from Enforced

Disappearances or are cases of involuntary disappearances in breach or breaches of

the criminal and/or civil law and/or applicable human rights laws (hereinafter

referred to as such alleged breach or breaches);

- If (a) has been established at the inquiry:

i. How such alleged breach or breaches came about;

ii. To identify person(s) or agency(ies) responsible for such alleged breach or

breaches;

iii. What administrative directives or procedures, or arrangements contributed

to such alleged breach or breaches.

c) To consider whether the authorities, specifically the Royal Malaysia Police have

taken adequate steps to investigate such alleged breach or breaches.

d) To recommend measures or guidelines to be taken to ensure that such alleged

breach or breaches do not recur.

The public inquiry will be held at the Suhakam’s office here. © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd