‘ Extremist link to Koh’s vanishing’

> Probe led cops to arrive at the conclusion, inquiry told

KUALA LUMPUR: Police believe the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh (pix) was most likely linked to extremist activities, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) inquiry heard yesterday.

ASP Supari Mohammad, the case’s investigation officer, said police had drawn the conclusion based on investigations conducted since Koh was reported to be abducted.

Inquiry chairman Datuk Mah Weng Kwai had earlier mentioned to Supari that police previously had looked at three theories behind Koh’s disappearance namely personal issues, extremist link and kidnap-for-ransom.

“Based on your overall investigations of these three possibilities, which one do you think is the most likely?” Mah asked.

“It is more likely extremist activities,” Supari said in reply at the inquiry held at Menara TH.

The three-man inquiry panel is being held on the disappearance of Koh, social activist Amri Che Mat and Pastor Joshua Hilmi and his wife, Ruth.

Former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had stated in March that police were looking at the three possible theories.

Supari was also unsure when asked by Mah whether police knew if Koh was still in the country.

On whether the police knew if Koh was dead or alive, Supari said: “no idea”.

Mah then asked if a police statement provided by the then missing social activist Peter Chong had helped Supari in his investigations.

“It did not help me at all. There was no information provided that I could use to further my investigations,” Supari said.

Supari, who had testified in the inquiry for four days, was also asked a question by Koh’s family lawyer, Steven Thiru: “You said that you were unaware of the role of other divisions in the police with regard to the investigations. My question is, do you know – as a matter of fact – whether Koh is under police custody now?”

“I am not sure. As far as I know, no (not in police custody).”