Release International is pressing Malaysia to set free a Christian pastor who was abducted in a military-style operation three years ago (on Feb 13) and hasn't been seen since.



Continued from page 1

The allegations against Pastor Koh were later dropped, but soon afterwards he was sent bullets in the post as a clear warning to end his Christian ministry.

Release International, which supports persecuted Christians around the world, is working with others to press the Malaysian government to investigate the disappearance and set Pastor Koh free. Release is petitioning the Malaysian Prime Minister and the Inspector General of Police.

'We're demanding Pastor Raymond's immediate release and safe return to his family,' says Release CEO Paul Robinson. 'And we're calling for justice. Those responsible for his disappearance must be held accountable.'

Kidnapped

The Release petition says: 'One of your country's loyal citizens has been missing for three years. Pastor Raymond Koh was kidnapped off the streets on February 13, 2017, and has not been seen since. His wife and children have been left to wonder what happened to him and whether he is still alive.'

The petition continues: 'We, Pastor Raymond's fellow Christians from around the world, call on your government to release any and all information related to the forced disappearance. including any involvement of Special Branch.'

After criticism from the country's Human Rights Commission, the government set up an investigation into the abductions. But critics point out the taskforce is composed of current and serving police officers.

Christians make up about nine per cent of the population of Malaysia, which is officially a secular state. Even so, Muslims are forbidden from changing their religion. And those who do face persecution and discrimination.

'Three years to this day, Pastor Koh was abducted,' says Release CEO Paul Robinson. 'Yet there has been no word whether Pastor Koh is dead or alive. Malaysia must secure his release and account for his disappearance, which by any standard is a crime.'

Petition

You can sign the petition here: https://releaseinternational.org/releaseraymond/  CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.