CFM calls for prayer ahead of Pastor Koh’s abduction anniversary
2nd Apr 2018
PETALING JAYA: The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) has exhorted churches and Christian followers to pray for closure in the search for Pastor Raymond Koh and three other activists who have mysteriously disappeared since 2016.
In the lead-up to the first anniversary of Koh’s “violent abduction” on Feb 13 last year, CFM chairman Roman Catholic Archbishop Julian Leow called on the authorities to urgently and diligently complete their investigations into finding Koh, Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth Sitepu.
He said people should pray for Koh to be found and reunited with his family, including his wife Susanna and three children.
“That they be given great endurance and patience, be filled with the love of God and the peace which transcends all human understanding and find strength in their joy in the Lord is our fervent cry,” Leow said in a statement today.
Koh, 63, was abducted from his car by a group of more than 10 men in a convoy of vehicles. CCTV footage showed at least three black SUVs were involved in the abduction.
Amri, 44, who co-founded charity organisation Perlis Hope, has been missing since Nov 24, 2016.
His wife, Norhayati Ariffin, said witnesses saw five vehicles blocking the path of Amri’s car before he was whisked away, just 550 metres from their home in Bukit Chabang, Perlis.
Joshua and Ruth have been missing since Nov 30, 2016.
Leow said any hope that the facts established by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) inquiry into the disappearances would assist in the authorities investigations had been “dashed”.
He said this was due to the inquiry having been halted upon Suhakam being informed that a person had been charged for criminal kidnapping and abduction in Koh’s case.
“Without any information as to the whereabouts of Pastor Raymond Koh, the arrest therefore did not alleviate the anxieties of many with regard to his well-being,” Leow said.
“We remain nonetheless hopeful that as it continues to probe the disappearances of Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth, Suhakam will be able to elicit facts to assuage the fears and concerns of many Malaysians struggling to understand how and why fellow Malaysians can suddenly disappear and not be found for such extended periods of time.”
Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai had said on the 12th day of the inquiry on Jan 16 that the proceedings would cease until further notice.
The Suhakam decision followed a letter from Inspector-General of Police Mohd Fuzi Harun to the chairperson of Suhakam, saying that the police had charged a man with the kidnapping of Koh.
Fuzi had said that under Section 12(3) of the Suhakam Act 1999, Suhakam would have to immediately cease an inquiry if any allegation being inquired into becomes the subject matter of any proceeding in any court.
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/02/02/cfm-calls-for-prayer-ahead-of-pastor-kohs-abduction-anniversary/