Where Are the Amri–Raymond Koh Cases Headed?

 

While reports have confirmed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) intends to appeal the High Court’s judgment concerning Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh, this morning—as I pen these lines—Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is receiving his first official briefing from the Royal Malaysian Police on the same case.

Saifuddin has been busy with the Sabah state election, which will happen on November 29, 2025. 

(Before you read on, it's important to recognise a widespread misunderstanding—especially among netizens—regarding the crucial distinction between intervention and interference. 

(Whatever the case, cybertroopers will seize upon the confusion—amplifying doubt and suspicion about the Madani government's intentions, regardless of how sincere or constructive they may be. Their ultimate aim is clear: to topple Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, especially now that he is actively pursuing the illicit wealth amassed by certain politicians in the past).

Two Possible Outcomes

After this, without delving into this more indepth, there are two possible outcomes that I can immediately think of: 

1. After Saifuddin has been briefed, the cabinet would probably discuss the matter in the coming week (s). It may decide not to interfere with the AGC’s decision; instead, allow it to go through the court process, that may see the case going all the way to the apex court.

After the Appeals court, either side can still appeal to the Federal Court. This would be a proper process, but it may take a few more years of unproductive time. 

From the standpoint of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, every available legal avenue would be pursued in an effort to overturn the High Court’s judgment. After all, no party is likely to accept a decision that does not favour its position.

Regardless of the outcome, the impending decision, by the time it reaches the apex court, will establish a precedent with significant implications for similar cases in the future. Either way, would anyone take the gamble? If the federal court overturns the case, would it open the floodgates for more of such cases in the future?

2. ⁠On the other hand, the Madani government may intervene if (a) they feel that the entire process is unnecessary, (b) and they want a just closure for the family of Pastor Raymond and Amri.

When did the Abduction happen? 

Tongue in cheek, let me suggest this: if the Madani government already foresee defeat in the next General Election—perhaps due to waning support among critical urban voters, many of whom are easily swayed by the venomous messaging of cybertroopers—the cabinet may be content to let the case drag on.

Perhaps, when Najib Abdul Razak or his protege returns as Prime Minister, the new administration at Putrajaya will have to shoulder the responsibility—not only because the abduction occurred during Najib's tenure, but also because it was during Najib's era that three tactical police units: STING, STAGG, and STAFOC were established. 

Each was engineered to function with capabilities far exceeding those evident in Pastor Raymond’s case. The CCTV footage reveals that his abduction—executed via a “box-in” tactical manoeuvre—was not the work of ordinary criminals.

To be fair, their stated objectives were commendable if they were going after dangerous criminals but in this case, it was a frail old man.

• STING (Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group) was formed to combat drug trafficking and dismantle syndicates.

• STAGG (Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gambling and Gangsterism) focused on illegal gambling, vice activities, and organised crime.

• STAFOC (Special Task Force on Organised Crime) targeted serious criminal networks.

A video I cited circulating on social media platform illustrates just how precise and capable these operatives were in executing tactical operations. These formidable units were short-lived, dismantled soon after Pakatan Harapan came to power in 2018 under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The question remains: If their true purpose was to apprehend a notorious mafia boss, then why were these elite squads dismantled shortly after the Pakatan Harapan government took over?

Fingers Crossed

Many friends asked me for my view. I have remained silent all this while. Only this morning, upon waking up, I decided to break my silence.

We just have to put our fingers crossed. The families of Pastor Raymond and Amri Che Mat have endured immense suffering—but not nearly as long as Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail or Kak Wan and her children. 

Anwar's personal struggle against the grave injustice that we saw inflicted upon him since 1998 has spanned 25 relentless years, with its impact still felt today.

What's Next?

Some of you know that my argument has used this illustration: not even the U.S. government or its president would openly admit to a crime committed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) until 30 or 50 years have passed. To do so prematurely would risk dragging the credibility of federal authority through the mud. 

However, admission by the police after the matter is already probed by the Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) and now the High Court, and the evidences become too overwhelming to deny, there is a possiblity that the police may decide to take the bold step.

Besides, we have two good top cops at the helm, who appear to be trying to return people's respect for the Royal Malaysian Police force, and we have someone who has gone through 25 years of persecution, as Prime Minister. 

Perhaps, it is timely that reforms be carried out within the police force to make it a well-respected enforcement agency. After all there is public outcry over the quantum of compensation towards the families of both missing men. It is not only this case, but the case of Altantuya Shariibuu that will also return to haunt everyone because of the doings of a former government. 

Both the police and the government also know that if the case drags on to the federal court, and if the apex court rules in favour of the High Court, the damage would be far greater by comparison. 

When that moment arrives, the families of Pastor Raymond and Amri should resist the urge to take to the streets in celebration, as such public displays may provoke unnecessary retaliation. 

Instead, it would be wiser—for them, and for those of us watching with empathy—to humbly give glory to God (or Allah), who has finally looked upon the widows with justice and mercy.

In the meantime, we must keep our fingers crossed and continue to pray that God's favour rests upon the two families. Let us choose compassion over conspiracy—refraining from spreading falsehoods or intensify efforts to discredit the Madani administration that only serve to empower the forces of darkness.