The Malaysian Bar is troubled by the continued failure and inability of the police to locate and secure the safe release of Pastor Raymond Koh Keng Joo, who was reportedly abducted in the morning of 13 February 2017. The abduction occurred on a public road in Petaling Jaya, and involved a group of men in a convoy of vehicles.
Although a month has passed since the abduction, the police appear to have made little headway in locating the missing pastor and/or apprehending his abductors. This is extremely disappointing, as the vicious and outrageous act happened in broad daylight and was caught on video by several close–circuit television cameras. The video evidence discloses a highly efficient professional operation that was executed in under a minute.
The manner in which the abduction was carried out has fuelled uneasy speculation as to the identity of the abductors and the masterminds behind it, and their motives. Some concerns have been raised as to whether the act was perpetrated against Pastor Raymond Koh due to the social work he is known to be actively engaged in.
The Malaysian Bar urges the police to act more efficaciously, as the lack of progress so far has manifestly eroded public confidence in our criminal justice system. Moreover, we also call on all Federal and State government authorities and their agencies to cooperate fully with the police task force that is investigating this case. It is in the public interest that the investigations be conducted thoroughly, transparently and impartially, with a sense of urgency in finding Pastor Raymond Koh and bringing his abductors and their accomplices to justice.
The Malaysian Bar is concerned about the well–being of Pastor Raymond Koh. We extend our support and solidarity to his family in this challenging time. No Malaysian should have to suffer the ordeal and torment that have befallen him and his family.
Steven Thiru
President
Malaysian Bar
14 March 2017