It said the Malaysian government must adhere to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) public inquiry recommendations, “particularly in conducting a thorough investigation and bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice”.
“We urge the Malaysian government not to rest until the case is solved as Ruth’s family and members of the public deserve to know the truth,” it said following the inquiry’s confirmation today that the pastor and Ruth, an Indonesian, were victims of enforced disappearance.
However, the inquiry, chaired by Suhakam commissioner and former judge Hishamudin Yunus, did not find evidence that the couple was abducted by “agents of the state”.
Joshua, a Malay who had converted to Christianity, and Ruth were last seen on Nov 30, 2016 at their home in Petaling Jaya.
Meanwhile, Ruth’s siblings, Ram Ram Elisabeth and Iman Sitepu, said their family wanted closure on her disappearance.
“If she is indeed dead, please return her remains to us. It is the only right, decent thing to do,” they said.
The inquiry recommended that police step up their investigation into the couple’s disappearance, taking into account Suhakam’s criticisms.
The inquiry, which also included commissioners Jerald Joseph and Madeline Berma, said a senior police officer of the rank of assistant superintendent should take over, and urged Bukit Aman to monitor the progress.
Announcing the inquiry findings, Hishamudin had earlier criticised police, saying they had failed to investigate the case “diligently and seriously”.
“The IO (investigating officer) was incompetent and not serious in conducting the investigation at the preliminary stage. The case should have been assigned to a senior officer,” he said.
Hishamudin also said police should review their SOPs in handling missing persons cases, especially those that have “overwhelming circumstances that point to a possible abduction or involuntary disappearance of a person”.
“This includes stringent training on communication protocols and informing the progress of the case to family members and the public from time to time.
“We also recommend that the government review the Penal Code to incorporate the offence of enforced or involuntary disappearance as a separate category specific to cases involving missing persons,” he said.