Appealing court decision in Koh, Amri cases undermines public confidence in Madani ideals, says backbencher

Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung cautioned the government that the Attorney General Chambers (AGC) decision to appeal the High Court verdict would risk undermining public confidence in Madani ideals.

“Madani government stands for compassion, respect, and trust. The court’s decision reflects precisely these values, acknowledging the deep anguish of the victims’ families.

“Conversely, the decision to appeal risks undermining public confidence in the very ideals the government has pledged to uphold,” said the federal backbencher in a statement via his social media account.

The AGC confirmed that it is filing a notice of appeal against the verdict by Judge Datuk Su Tiang Joo who found the police and government liable for the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat. They are also applying for a stay against the judgment.

Su in his ruling ordered the government to pay RM37 million to Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew and RM3,264,457.52 to Amri’s wife, Norhayati Mohd Ariffin.

Amri has been missing since 24 Nov, 2016 whereas Koh was abducted on 13 Feb, 2017.

The PKR man also stressed that the family of the victims deserve compensation for enforced disappearance that was carried out by state apparatus.

“The High Court’s landmark ruling affirms that the families deserve compensation for the immense suffering and loss they have endured over the past eight years. It reinforces the principle that authorities bear both a legal and moral duty to investigate such grave violations with diligence, urgency, and transparency.

“This judgment sets an important legal and moral precedent, signalling that Malaysian courts are now willing to attach a tangible cost to state inaction and silence — a step forward in strengthening human rights jurisprudence and institutional accountability.

“Enforced disappearance is among the gravest violations of human rights. The recent rulings have drawn wide international attention, with global media outlets such as BBC, CNA, and The Straits Times reporting extensively on the case.

“The world is now watching closely to see how Malaysia’s government will respond — with conscience, integrity, and respect for justice.”