The High Court of Malaysia has ordered the Malaysian government to pay 31 million ringgit (more than $7 million) to the family of Pastor Raymond Koh, acknowledging the government’s involvement in the pastor’s abduction and disappearance.  

The court concluded that authorities likely “disappeared” the pastor as a threat to Islam.

Pastor Koh was abducted on Feb. 13, 2017, by five masked men in a coordinated operation, as seen in viral video footage of the kidnapping. There has been no update on Pastor Koh’s whereabouts since his capture.  

Pastor Koh’s wife, Susanna Koh, filed a suit against the Malaysian government for their complicity in the abduction and the subsequent unjust and slow investigation of her husband’s disappearance.  

“We are overjoyed and thankful to God that we have a fair and honest judgment,” his wife told reporters following the verdict. “Though this will not bring Pastor Raymond back, it is somewhat a vindication and closure for the family. We dedicate this struggle and judgment to Pastor Raymond Koh, a man of compassion and courage, and to all victims of enforced disappearances.”

One High Court judge confirmed in their ruling that some of the kidnappers were current or former police officers at the time and that they were acting upon direct government orders. Pastor Koh’s ministry in majority-Muslim Malaysia was well known. 

However, several Muslim leaders and organisations alleged around this time that his social and community work was evangelising Muslims and leading many of them to convert to Christianity. His brutal abduction occurred soon after.  

Susanna Koh and her children have continued to fight for answers about the disappearance and abduction of their beloved husband and father. 

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