The Ongoing Fight for Justice: Susanna Liew’s Struggle After the Abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh

In a gripping tale of resilience and determination, Susanna Liew has spent nearly a decade seeking answers about the disappearance of her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh. Her journey, marked by emotional highs and harrowing lows, culminated in a significant legal victory that has captivated the nation. This article delves into the complexities of Koh’s enforced disappearance and the relentless advocacy of his wife.

A Historic Court Ruling

Last month, Susanna Liew stood before the television cameras at Kuala Lumpur’s High Court, calling the day a “historic and emotional milestone.” “Today… the High Court has delivered a judgment of what we have long believed: that Pastor Raymond Koh was a victim of a grave injustice,” she expressed, her voice trembling but resolute.

Liew’s courtroom victory is a remarkable turn in a case that has puzzled Malaysia for years. Nearly nine years ago, her husband was taken by masked men in broad daylight, an event captured on CCTV that shocked the nation.

The High Court found that Malaysia’s elite Special Branch of police was responsible for Koh’s abduction, making this the first-ever case of enforced disappearance to be adjudicated in a Malaysian court. Both the police and the Malaysian government were held accountable, underlining a significant moment in the country’s legal history.

A Fierce Advocate

Transforming from an ordinary pastor’s wife into a passionate campaigner for justice, Liew’s journey has been anything but easy. Although she may never fully comprehend why her husband was abducted, two independent investigations revealed that the police viewed Koh as a threat to Islam, the predominant religion in Malaysia.

In a conversation with media post-court victory, Liew reflected on her motivation, saying, “A voice [inside me] said… ‘So they took him in secret – I will let the whole world know.’” This unwavering resolve propelled her forward in the pursuit of truth.

The Abduction Incident

On February 13, 2017, Mr. Koh left his home in a Kuala Lumpur suburb around 10 AM. As he drove away to meet friends, a convoy of SUVs and motorcycles suddenly surrounded him. Masked men jumped from their vehicles, shattered a window of Koh’s car, forcibly extracted him, and drove off in an operation that lasted mere seconds. Eyewitnesses thought they were witnessing a film shoot, but it was all too real.

In the days following the abduction, Koh’s family furiously sought answers. His children canvassed their neighborhood for any information and quickly discovered that two homes captured the harrowing event on camera. The family realized they were dealing with a highly coordinated operation, further complicating their hopes for resolution.

Investigation Challenges

As speculation grew, the young pastor’s family turned to the media to amplify their plea for justice. The CCTV footage quickly went viral, prompting demands for an investigation from Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission. Despite the growing public outcry, police denied involvement and insisted on the need for “peace” to conduct their investigation.

In the wake of the investigation, the police claimed that a drug trafficking ring was responsible for the abduction and later arrested an Uber driver. However, the Human Rights Commission ultimately deemed these explanations unsubstantiated.

Susanna Liew faced significant emotional turmoil through this process. She found the police not only unhelpful but at times obstructive, guiding the investigation away from the truth. The family suffered psychologically, grappling with a profound sense of loss and despair.

Breakthrough Information

A turning point came in May 2018, when a man identifying himself as a police sergeant confessed to having firsthand knowledge about the Special Branch’s involvement in the abduction of both Koh and another activist, Amri Che Mat. According to the sergeant, the police perceived the two men as threats against Islam.

This confession was subsequently supported by further investigations. A gold-colored car associated with both abductions was traced back to a member of the Special Branch. In April 2019, the commission concluded that these men were targeted due to their alleged anti-Islam activities, leaving an indelible mark on Malaysia’s civil rights landscape.

Recent Developments and Liew’s Ongoing Fight

In 2020, Liew initiated a civil lawsuit against top police officers and the Malaysian government, holding them accountable for her husband’s abduction. The recent court ruling found the police and government culpable, awarding Liew several million ringgit for emotional distress.

Despite this victory, the government plans to appeal, stating it has unresolved financial obligations. This ongoing battle has taken an emotional toll, with Liew expressing, “I would feel very tired if I have to do this all over again.” The uncertainty surrounding her husband’s fate leaves her family in a state of grief.

A Path Toward Healing

As Liew navigates the complexities of her life without her husband, she finds some solace in her work as an advocate against enforced disappearances. Her story has changed her profoundly; she has trained as a counselor to help others, drawing strength from her painful experiences.

Despite her forgiveness toward those behind her husband’s abduction, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice. She is calling for oversight mechanisms to monitor police conduct and for a thorough inquiry into her husband’s case.

Affirming her resilience, Liew states, “What we really want is for the truth and justice to prevail, for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, and for us to have good closure.”