A disappearance that haunted Malaysia for years ends with a dramatic legal breakthrough
Nearly a decade after her husband vanished in what became one of Malaysia’s most puzzling criminal cases, Susanna Liew has achieved a major legal victory that has reignited public attention and raised new questions about the truth behind his disappearance. Her husband, Pastor Raymond Koh, was abducted in broad daylight in 2017 by a group of men in vehicles resembling those used by law enforcement, an incident that was captured on CCTV and shocked the nation.
For years, the case remained unresolved, fuelling speculation, public frustration, and allegations of a cover-up. Despite repeated calls from the family and civil society groups, authorities failed to provide clear answers about who was responsible or what had happened to Koh after the kidnapping. Susanna Liew persistently challenged official accounts, pushing for transparency and accountability through legal channels.
The case took a dramatic turn when a stunning confession emerged during legal proceedings, revealing alleged involvement by members of Malaysia’s security forces. This admission contradicted years of official denials and gave fresh weight to claims that the abduction was not the work of criminals, but part of a covert operation. The revelation proved pivotal in court, leading to a landmark ruling in Liew’s favour.
Judges acknowledged serious failures in the investigation and criticised the authorities for withholding information and misleading the public. The ruling marked one of the most significant moments in Malaysia’s recent legal history, particularly in cases involving enforced disappearances.
While the decision does not resolve what ultimately happened to Pastor Koh, it represents a powerful moment of validation for his family after years of uncertainty and grief. Human rights advocates say the case has broader implications, highlighting the need for institutional reform, accountability, and protection against abuses of power.
For Susanna Liew, the legal win is both a personal milestone and a renewed call for truth, as she continues to seek answers about her husband’s fate and justice for what many now consider a grave miscarriage of justice.