On February 13th, 2017, Pastor Raymond Koh was abducted from his car by 15 masked men in the Malaysian city of Petaling Jaya. The incident, which was captured on security cameras and took only 40 seconds to unfold, appears to have been executed by professionally trained individuals. From the beginning, there were strong indications of official government involvement in the kidnapping. More than nine years have passed since the abduction with no news of the pastor's whereabouts. (For previously published reports on this situation, including video footage of the kidnapping, see this list.)
Demanding answers, Pastor Raymond's wife Susanna filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government, alleging negligence. On November 5th, the country's High Court found sufficient evidence to suggest that the government and its police played a role in the pastor's disappearance, ordering authorities to reopen the investigation. The court also directed the government to pay Susanna 10,000 RM ($3,370 CAD) per day, starting from the date of Pastor Raymond's disappearance until he is found. Additionally, a further 250,000 RM (about $84,000 CAD) was awarded in compensation for the repeated delays the family has experienced, bringing the total amount to more than $10 million and growing. The government's legal representatives for this case have announced their intention to appeal the ruling.
Following the High Court's decision, Susanna stated, "Though this will not bring Koh back, it is somewhat a vindication and closure for our family." Pastor Raymond's loved ones and supporters continue to press for answers, determined to uncover what happened that fateful day in 2017 and where the beloved church leader is now.
- Praise God for this significant court ruling. May the decision greatly encourage Susanna and all who have been tirelessly advocating for justice on behalf of Pastor Raymond.
- Pray that the ruling will put pressure on the Malaysian government to fully cooperate and thereby release all information pertaining to the church leader's mysterious disappearance.
- As Susanna and her family continue to live with uncertainty, ask the Lord to surround them with His sustaining grace, comfort and peace.
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