Task Force Chairman Defends Naming of Person of Interest in Investigation into Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat’s Disappearance
Abd Rahim Uda, the chairman of the task force inquiring into the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh and activist Amri Che Mat, defended the naming of a former Bukit Aman Special Branch officer as a person of interest in its probe.
Task Force Justified in Naming Officer of Interest
Abd Rahim explained that the task force was justified in naming Awaludin Jadid, a former senior officer in the Special Branch’s social extremism division, as a person of interest. Awaludin had engaged in activities that were not part of his duties as a police officer.
Awaludin’s Activities Not Part of His Duties
According to Rahim, Awaludin had paid a courtesy call to the Perlis mufti (Asri Zainul Abidin) a few months after Amri went missing, which was not part of his duties as a police officer. He also made a statement that Shia followers were a "threat to national security", which Rahim disputed.
Task Force Report ‘Unbiased’
Rahim denied that the task force report was biased and said it was neither in favour of the missing activists’ families nor the government. The task force only made recommendations to the government on the steps to be taken in its probe into both cases, including monitoring the investigations every three months by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Task Force’s Limited Powers
Rahim also explained that the task force had limited powers, and the duties of gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses had to be carried out by the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Remuneration for Task Force Members
When asked about the remuneration for task force members, Rahim revealed that he was entitled to receive RM60,000 for the six-month appointment, but he had not received a single sen yet.
The Hearing Continues
The hearing continues on January 6 and 14, 2025.
FAQs
- Who is Abd Rahim Uda?
Abd Rahim Uda is the chairman of the task force inquiring into the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh and activist Amri Che Mat. - What is the task force’s finding on Awaludin Jadid?
The task force has named Awaludin Jadid, a former senior officer in the Special Branch’s social extremism division, as a person of interest. - What is the task force’s report on the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat?
The task force report is unbiased and does not favour either the missing activists’ families or the government. It only made recommendations on the steps to be taken in its probe into both cases. - Are task force members remunerated for their services?
Yes, task force members are entitled to receive remuneration, but Rahim has not received a single sen yet.