The unresolved case of Malaysian Pastor Raymond Koh who was abducted in a well-planned military pattern four years ago has still not gotten his freedom. His abduction was based on the accusation that he was sharing the gospel to Muslims in the country. Hence, an international group that looks out for persecuted Christians have been called to intervene in Koh’s case.
In a statement by The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) which was made available to The Christian Post read that nothing has been heard about the Christian preacher for the past four years and his family has been worried ever since. His family recalled his abduction while he near Kuala Lumpur on February 13, 2017.
Koh, who is a descent of China, is the founder of Hope Community, along with his wife. Hope Community is a nonprofit organization aimed at helping the underprivileged and the poor. The authorities aid in 2011 that Koh was attempting to covert Muslims. This act is prohibited by the Malaysian law. The accusations against Koh were later dropped but it did not stop some bullets from being sent to his home. This served as a warning for him.
Koh’s abduction was swift. It happened in the space of 40 seconds where he was surrounded by three black SUVs and compelled to stop. After which, he was kidnapped. This action was recorded on surveillance cameras.
Malaysia’s Special Branch intelligence service was suspected to be behind Kioh’s abducted. This made the Malaysian Human Rights Commission to form a task force in 2019. While speaking on the issue, VOM’s spokesperson, Todd Nettleton, stated that no one has been brought to book ever since the case has been reported. Also, no explanation has been given for the incident.
In January 2020, Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs pleaded that the task force should be given more time to get its report prepared. VOM admitted that Koh was abducted because of his unshaken Christian faith and accusations that was centered on him preaching to Muslims in Malaysia which was not permitted under the law of the strict Islamic nation.
Last March, the U.S State Department’s International Women of Courage Award honored Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew. This was because she has been consistent in speaking up for her husband and others despite the death threats and harassment from the police. She felt she has to do it. Not because of their Christian faith but because it is their right as Malaysians.
A petition titled Release Raymond was launched in 2019 by VOM. The petition called on Christians across to seek for the release of the Pastor. Also, the culprits should be brought to book.
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