The wife of a missing activist, Norhayati Mohd Ariffin, is questioning the Home Ministry's decision to reopen investigations into her husband's disappearance, despite years of official findings pointing to police negligence. In a recent statement, the Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced that the ministry would refocus efforts on the cases of Amri and Pastor Raymond Koh. However, Norhayati expressed confusion and puzzlement, stating that the move came too late, as a Special Task Force report on both disappearances was already completed and submitted to the ministry in 2020. She questioned why the minister needed to wait until now to reopen investigations, given that the report had clearly found police negligence and allowed rogue officers to break the law without fear. The Kuala Lumpur High Court's ruling on November 5th further emphasized the police's negligence in investigating Amri's abduction. While the decision was a long-awaited measure of justice, Norhayati's family continues to suffer as Amri's fate and whereabouts remain unknown. The ministry's renewed promise of transparency is difficult to believe after years of inaction and withheld reports. Norhayati asks, 'Has the minister even read the task force report?' The Home Minister recently told Parliament that investigations into the disappearances of Pastor Koh and Amri were still ongoing. Saifuddin's written reply assured that the police were continuing their efforts 'transparently' and would not stop until justice was served for both victims and their families. However, Norhayati urges the Home Minister to stop making public statements until concrete, transparent action is taken to uncover the truth and restore the integrity of the police force. The missing activist, Amri Che Mat, disappeared on November 24, 2016, after driving out late at night, while Pastor Raymond Koh went missing on February 13, 2017, after leaving his home. In 2019, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) concluded that both men were victims of enforced disappearance carried out by Special Branch officers from Bukit Aman. These findings, along with the Special Task Force's conclusions, leave no reason for further delays in holding the police accountable. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the police force and the transparency of the government's actions. It is crucial to ensure that justice is served and the truth is revealed for the sake of the victims and their families.
