Malaysian Police Ruled Unconstitutional in the Disappearance of Amri Che Mat

Kuala Lumpur, El Sky News — The Malaysian High Court has ruled that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) acted unconstitutionally in handling the case of missing human rights activist Amri Che Mat, who has been missing since 2016.

In a session at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Judge Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh stated that the actions and negligence of the police in investigating the case violated fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 5 and 8 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, which protect personal liberty and equal treatment under the law.

“The police’s failure to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation constitutes a violation of the principles of justice and the fundamental rights of citizens. The state is liable for this negligence,”
said Judge Wan Ahmad Farid in delivering the verdict.

Following the decision, the court ordered the Malaysian government and PDRM to pay RM3 million in compensation to Amri Che Mat’s family for the constitutional violations and inadequate investigation.

Amri Che Mat, founder of the charity organization Perlis Hope, was reported missing on 24 November 2016 after leaving his home in Kangar, Perlis. His car was later found by the roadside, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

Previously, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), in its 2019 inquiry report, concluded that Amri was most likely the victim of an enforced disappearance involving state agents.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Amri’s wife, Norhayati Mohd Ariffin, expressed relief and emotion over what she described as long-awaited justice after nearly nine years of struggle.

“We finally heard acknowledgment from the court that what we went through was not just a loss, but an injustice. I hope this is the first step toward uncovering the truth about what really happened to Amri,” she told reporters after the hearing.

The verdict has been welcomed by human rights groups, who see it as a significant step toward ensuring accountability among law enforcement authorities and restoring public confidence in Malaysia’s justice system.