These mysterious disappearances first caught my attention when I learned that Raymond Koh, one of the missing whose kidnapping was caught on video, is actually personally known by a friend from a church we used to attend in the 1980s.
CHURCH leaders and the Malaysian Bar today urged the authorities and government to look into the disappearance of five activists reported in the last six months.
Concerned with the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh and disappearance of Joshua Hilmy and his wife, Ruth, and Amri Che Mat, Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) general-secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said several Christian leaders have conveyed their concern to the authorities.
“Christian leaders have gotten in touch with the authorities and government leaders to ask them to look into these abductions,” Hermen told The Malaysian Insight.
“We have also expressed concerns about the manner of the abduction (of Koh) and hope the authorities will keep us informed of the developments,” he said.
Christian Federation of Malaysia chairman Rev Eu Hong Seng confirmed the meetings with government and other political leaders.
“Yes, we have met the authorities and government leaders to express our anxiety regarding the abduction of Pastor Koh and others.
“And we are confident that what needs to be done is being by done by them. Until then, we are praying for their safe return,” said Eu, who is also the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship chairman.
Malaysians at large are worried and hope this mystery can be solved quickly, Archbishop Ng Moon Hing of the Anglican Church, told The Malaysian Insight today.
“Christian leaders are very concerned with the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh. Now with more missing people, it is more worrying.
“We feel for the families of these missing people and pray for the authorities to help solve this mystery at the shortest time span possible. I believe Christian leaders are willing to assist in any possible manner in finding these people,” said Ng.
Newly elected president of the Malaysian Bar George Varughese said it is shocking that a growing number of Malaysians can disappear and not be found for days, weeks and months.
“The noticeable lack of information on the steps taken by the authorities to locate and recover the five missing persons is most disconcerting and raises alarming doubts on the adequacy of the safety and security measures in the country.
“This is especially so in the case of Pastor Raymond Koh, as his abduction was captured on video by several closed-circuit television cameras,” said Varughese in a statement released today.
“Only concrete and clear action by the authorities will alleviate public fear and anxiety, and instil confidence in the safety and security of this country. In this regard, the Malaysian Bar also calls on the police to provide regular updates on the status of their investigations.”
On Sunday, CCM organised a “Day of Solidarity – pilgrimage towards justice and peace” at the CCM Ecumenical Centre.
The event was held to mark a day of solidarity for the four missing activists. Among the attendees were Hakam president Ambiga Sreenevasan, former minister Zaid Ibrahim, social activist Marina Mahathir and Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow.
At the same time the event was being held at Petaling Jaya, a fifth activist and former Petaling Jaya City Council councillor Peter Chong, 54, was also reported missing by his son, Darryl.
Chong, the former aide to Subang MP R. Sivarasa, has been missing since April 5.
His last message on Twitter and Facebook was on April 6 where he noted that “GE14 will be about religion #RUU355 – a frightening future for Malaysia”.
The first among the five to go missing was Amri Che Mat from Perlis. He is a social activist, forex trader, and founder of charity organisation, Perlis Hope. He was last seen at home on November 24, 2016.
About a week later, Joshua Hilmy was reported missing. He is a pastor of Malay descent and a former Muslim. His wife, Ruth, is also believed to be missing.
Koh was abducted from his silver Honda Accord on February 13. Koh’s case gained attention when an alleged CCTV recording of his abduction went viral.
The 5 Who are Missing
