Oct 19 date for Suhakam inquiry on missing pastors, others

The Human Rights Commission's (Suhakam) public inquiry on the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, activist Amri Chemat, Pastor Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth Hilmy will begin on Oct 19.

This inquiry will be led by Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai. The two other panelists are Aishah Bidin and Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh.

According to its terms of reference, the inquiry will determine whether the four individuals are victims of "enforced disappearances" as defined under the International Convention for Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances (ICPPED).

ICPPED defines enforced disappearance as the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the state or by persons, or groups of persons, acting with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of the state...