Malaysian Court Orders Government To Pay £6.8 Million Over Abducted Pastor

A Malaysian court has ordered the government to pay more than £6.8 million (37 million ringgit) to the family of Pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted eight years ago and has not been seen since.

High Court Judge Su Tiang Joo ruled on November 5 that police personnel were involved in Koh's abduction and acted "oppressively and arbitrarily," misusing their public power. The court held the Malaysian government vicariously liable for various violations, including suppressing evidence and neglecting to properly investigate the case.

Pastor Koh, 71, was seized by masked men in a military style operation in broad daylight on February 13, 2017, in Selangor state. CCTV footage showed his car surrounded by seven vehicles and about 15 masked individuals. He has not been seen since.

Koh's wife, Susanna Liew, 69, filed the lawsuit in 2020 after years of unsuccessful efforts to obtain answers from authorities. She called the ruling "unbelievable" and described it as "God answered prayer, beyond what we can imagine or think, a reflection of God's faithfulness to his servant."

In April 2019, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia concluded that Koh was the victim of an enforced disappearance carried out by the police's Special Branch. Prior to his abduction, local Islamic authorities had investigated his non governmental organization over allegations that it was trying to convert Muslims to Christianity, which is illegal in Malaysia.

Koh's organization, Harapan Komuniti, focused on helping people living with HIV/AIDS, recovering addicts, single mothers, and children. He received two bullets in the mail with a threatening note before his abduction.

The court ordered the government to pay £2,300 (10,000 ringgit) every day in general damages from the date Koh disappeared until his whereabouts are revealed. The money will be held in a trust fund that cannot be disbursed until Koh is confirmed either dead or alive.

Malaysia's Attorney General's Chambers announced Thursday it would appeal the ruling.

THE CRUSADER'S OPINION

Eight years ago, Malaysian police abducted a pastor in broad daylight. Fifteen masked men. Seven vehicles. Military precision.

His crime? Helping the poor and sick while being Christian.

The government suppressed evidence, concealed information, and protected the kidnappers.

Now a court finally admits what everyone knew.

The Malaysian state disappeared Pastor Raymond Koh.

He's still missing.

Presumed dead for sharing Christ in a Muslim nation.

TAKE ACTION

Support Pastor Raymond Koh's family and persecuted Christians in Malaysia:

1. International Christian Concern
   Website: https://www.persecution.org
   Contact: icc@persecution.org | Phone: 1-800-422-5441
   Action: ICC advocates for imprisoned and missing Christians worldwide. Donate to support their work. Request updates on Pastor Koh's case and other persecuted Christians in Malaysia.
2. Voice of the Martyrs
   Website: https://www.persecution.com
   Contact: thevoice@vom-usa.org | Phone: 1-800-747-0085
   Action: VOM supports families of martyred and imprisoned Christians. Donate to their Malaysia fund. Request prayer updates for Susanna Liew and her family.
3. Contact the Malaysian Embassy
   Embassy of Malaysia (US): 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008
   Phone: 202-572-9700
   Email: malwashdc@kln.gov.my
   Action: Demand accountability for Pastor Koh's abduction. Ask where he is and why police were involved in his disappearance. Express outrage that Malaysia criminalizes sharing the Gospel.
4. Pray for Susanna Liew and the Koh Family
   Action: Commit to praying daily for Pastor Koh's family. Pray for his safe return or closure. Pray for Christians in Malaysia facing persecution for evangelism. Share his story with your church.

Talking Points:

• "Malaysian police abducted Pastor Raymond Koh in 2017. He's still missing"
• "The court confirmed government involvement and suppression of evidence"
• "His crime was helping the poor while being Christian in a Muslim nation"
• "Malaysia criminalizes sharing the Gospel with Muslims. This is religious persecution"