Reading out the contents of the task force’s classified report, Zamri Yahya said these rogue policemen either acted alone or in tandem with religious organisations.
“From my understanding, these officers acted outside of their departmental duties and did not follow rules,” the witness, a member of the task force, added.
Zamri was testifying in a lawsuit filed by Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, against the police and government over the pastor’s disappearance.
Liew wants the authorities to be held liable for his unlawful abduction and for misfeasance in public office.
Zamri also said the report had identified “similarities” in the cases involving Koh and Amri.
“Both of them were religious activists.
“Witnesses also said they saw Amri’s and Koh’s cars being surrounded by three or four vehicles before they were dragged into (one of the) vehicles,” he said.
Asked by lawyer Jerald Gomez, representing Koh’s family, what conclusion the task force reached in the two cases, Zamri said both investigations must continue.
“The task force recommended that either the police or an independent investigation agency continue probing Amri and Koh’s cases for kidnapping. But I don’t recall the task force making a recommendation for an RCI (royal commission of inquiry) to be held,” he said.
Zamri added the task force also recommended that several police officers involved – Khor Yi Shuen, Azizie Abd Hamid, Shamzaini Daud and Hazril Kamis – be referred to the inspector-general of police for further action.
First time seeing final report, says witness
Meanwhile, Zamri told the court he was away when the task force’s secretariat prepared the report’s final version.
“I signed the report (as a member) before its completion because I was away.
“This is the first time I am seeing the final report,” he said.
Zamri added that he could not recall whether the task force discussed former Special Branch social extremism division assistant director Awaludin Jadid’s allegedly “extremist view against Shias and Christians”.
Gomez: Did your members conclude about Awaludin’s (alleged) extremist views?
Zamri: Maybe. I wasn’t there when they discussed Awaludin.
The witness also said Shia had never been banned in Malaysia.
To a question by senior federal counsel Nurul Farhana Khalid, appearing for the government, as to whether Zamri saw a video of Awaludin giving a speech claiming Shia (followers) are “dangerous”:
Zamri: I did not see the video.
Asked by Justice Su Tiang Joo what the government’s stand was on the task force report, Farhana said: “The task force’s findings were merely recommendations and they are not binding on the court.”
“But money was spent to set up these task forces, along with the time taken (to complete the work) and in the end they have no legal effect?” asked Su.
Farhana said she could not comment on the resources used and time spent on the government’s task forces or inquiries.
The hearing continues on Oct 21.
Gomez said his client will call task force chairman Abd Rahim Uda, member Roger Tan, secretary Russaini Idrus as well as two investigating officers Rus Nizam Mahaya Din and Kanesan Maganathan as witnesses.