Why Koh S Family Awarded Much More Than Amri S Ibrahim Ali Wants Justice

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Putra president Ibrahim Ali has criticised what he described as a “disgraceful disparity” in compensation awarded to the families of Amri Che Amat and Pastor Raymond Koh, whose cases of enforced disappearance were both ruled as failures of state protection.
In a statement today, Ibrahim said both court decisions clearly found national security agencies responsible for failing to safeguard the victims, and, therefore, the principle of compensation must be applied equally.
“The courts have declared that the authorities failed to protect them. This isn’t an assumption - it’s a legal judgment. If the state is responsible in both cases, then compensation must move on the same principle,” he said.
He noted that Amri’s family received about RM3.26 million, while Koh’s family was awarded more than RM37 million, along with continuing daily payments.
ADS“This gap tears at the dignity of justice. The question isn’t just about figures - it’s about what ‘justice’ really means in this country,” said Ibrahim.
On Nov 5, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Su Tiang Joo found the government and police liable for the disappearances of both men.
Raymond Koh (left) and Amri Che MatSu awarded Amri’s wife, Norhayati Ariffin, RM3 million in damages, comprising RM2 million in general damages and RM1 million in exemplary damages.
The court also ordered RM14,457.52 in special damages and RM250,000 in costs to the plaintiff.
Separately, Su directed the government to pay RM10,000 per day to Koh through a trust account until the pastor is found. The payments are to be calculated from Feb 13, 2017 - 3,193 days ago - when Koh was abducted.
The court also awarded RM4 million in damages to Koh, alongside RM1 million in aggravated damages for the prolonged delay in locating him and another RM1 million for unconstitutional acts by the defendants.
‘Life has no class, justice no religion’
Ibrahim stressed that human life cannot be valued differently based on faith, status, or public attention.
“Whether Muslim or Christian, rich or poor, known or unknown - the value of life is the same. Life has no class. Dignity has no caste. Justice has no religion,” he said.
He urged the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to file an appeal to review and equalise the compensation awarded to both families, insisting the amount should be “neither lower nor higher, but fair.”
On Nov 6, Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar told Malaysiakini he believes the Kuala Lumpur High Court erred in its judgments concerning the disappearances of Koh and Amri, and that an appeal will be filed.
Attorney-General Dusuki MokhtarIbrahim, meanwhile, also pressed the cabinet to take a clear position on whether Malaysia recognised the equality of its citizens’ lives.
ADS“If two cases based on the same legal judgment result in vastly different payouts, people will ask whether the law is truly just - or only just for some,” he added.
‘A dangerous message’
Ibrahim warned that leaving the decision unchallenged would send “a dangerous message” that the value of Malaysian lives could differ according to religion or profile.
“That is not a sovereign state, not a rule of law, but a betrayal of the constitution of justice,” he said.
He stressed that Putra’s stance was not motivated by religion or sentiment but by principle.
“This is not a religious struggle or a group sentiment.
“It’s about a nation defending the dignity of all its citizens. Whether the AGC appeals or not, compensation must be equal because both men are missing,” Ibrahim said.
“If Malaysia truly upholds the rule of law - prove it now,” he stressed. - Mkini

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