SINGAPORE: Lim Chin Joo (林清如), former political detainee and younger brother of Barisan Socialis leader Lim Chin Siong  (林清祥), has passed away at the age of 87.

According to an obituary seen by The Online Citizen, the former student activist’s wake was held from 3 October to 6 October at Singapore Casket, Regency Hall, located at 131 Lavender Street.

His funeral service took place on Sunday (6 October), at 8.35 am, followed by cremation at Mandai Crematorium Hall 3 at 10.20 am.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Lim sustained a severe head injury on 1 October after an accidental fall and was taken to the hospital.

He passed away the following night. Lim leaves behind his widow, four children, and several grandchildren.

His daughter, Lim Danliang, noted that despite surviving two major heart surgeries in the last five years, he had come to terms with his deteriorating health and made clear arrangements for his funeral, keeping it a private affair for close family members only.

Born in 1937 in Pontian, Johor, Lim Chin Joo was the third of 12 children.

His early life was marked by the challenges of the Japanese occupation, during which his family fled to the rubber plantations to escape the conflict.

In the aftermath of the war, Lim attended The Chinese High School (now part of Hwa Chong Institution) in Singapore, where he became involved in local student and labour movements.

He was a key member of the Singapore Chinese Middle School Student Union and became deeply engaged in the political climate of the time.

Detained in August 1957

In August 1957, at the age of 20, he was detained under the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance, now known as the Internal Security Act (ISA).

His detention lasted nine years, during which he was held in various locations, including Changi Prison, the Central Police Station, and St. John’s Island.

This period of his life coincided with pivotal moments in Singapore’s history, including the 1959 Legislative Assembly election, the 1962 merger referendum, the 1963 election, and the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965.

While incarcerated, Lim took the opportunity to further his education. He pursued academic qualifications and, at the age of 28, obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree with second-class honours from the University of London.

Lim Accepted Lee Kuan Yew’s Offer and Became Land Revenue Collector

Upon his release in 1966, he took up a position in the Singapore government’s elite administrative service.

In a 2019 interview with Mothership, Lim shared that he had met with then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who offered him a role in the Ministry of Law as a collector of land revenue.

Lim accepted the position and played a role in the acquisition of Pulau Tekong, remaining in public service for seven years.

In 1973, Lim transitioned to private legal practice, establishing himself as a lawyer. He continued his law career until his retirement in 2002.

Lim also authored several books, including memoirs that reflected on his life and his relationship with his older brother, Lim Chin Siong.

In his book My Youth in Black and White, Lim chronicled his experiences from childhood through to his years as a student activist and brief stint as a trade unionist before his arrest.

He described his brother as “a man with a big heart” who always sought to bring people together.

In his later years, Lim volunteered as an honorary adviser to the Ee Hoe Hean Club, a gathering place for Chinese businessmen in Singapore.

A coalition of 29 organisations is calling for an end to what they describe as a “policy” or perception in Malaysia that shields police and law enforcement officers from criminal prosecution, even when they are involved in serious violations such as death, torture, or human rights abuses.

These groups argue that law enforcement officers who break the law should be subject to the same criminal prosecution and sentencing as ordinary citizens.

The coalition points to several high-profile cases where police officers allegedly committed serious crimes, yet no action was taken to prosecute those responsible.

They argue that merely subjecting officers to internal disciplinary actions does not fulfil the public’s demand for justice. Instead, such officers must be charged and tried in open courts, allowing for transparency in the administration of justice.

Enforced Disappearance of Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat

One prominent case cited is the enforced disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat. In 2019, the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) concluded, following a public inquiry, that both men were likely victims of enforced disappearance carried out by police officers from the Special Branch.

The government formed a Special Task Force to investigate SUHAKAM’s findings, but when the report was completed, it was classified as an “Official Secret” and was not disclosed to the public.

Recently, during a civil trial initiated by the families of the victims, parts of the report were revealed.

These findings supported SUHAKAM’s conclusions, asserting that the officers involved were rogue individuals acting independently. However, despite this revelation, no criminal charges have been filed against the responsible officers.

The delay in prosecuting these officers, even after clear findings, further bolsters the perception that Malaysia protects its law enforcement officers from the full extent of the law.

Assault on Ong Ing Keong

In another case, Ong Ing Keong, a deaf and mute e-hailing driver, was allegedly assaulted on 28 May 2024 by a police officer escorting a VIP.

Despite video evidence supporting Ong’s claims, no charges have been brought against the officer involved. This case has raised further questions about the government’s willingness to hold law enforcement accountable.

Failures in Investigating Police-Related Deaths

The coalition also highlights multiple cases involving deaths caused by police officers, where no significant legal action has been taken.

A coroner’s court ruling on 31 May 2023 determined that the fatal shooting of three men by police officers was not justified as an act of self-defence. Despite this finding, the officers involved have not been charged.

Similarly, in a separate incident, the High Court ruled on 1 February 2024 that the death of a man in Sitiawan, Perak, at the hands of police was homicide, yet no charges have been filed.

The coalition argues that these incidents contribute to a widespread loss of public confidence in Malaysia’s criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to cases involving law enforcement officers.

They stress that the government must act decisively to ensure that justice is seen to be done, by investigating, charging, and prosecuting officers found responsible for these crimes.

Concerns About Torture and Deaths in Custody

There are growing concerns over allegations of torture and deaths in police custody, with many cases seemingly underreported due to victims’ fear or lack of faith in the system.

The groups worry that if the public continues to perceive that justice is inaccessible, it may lead to increased incidents of violence or retaliation against police officers.

The Need for Clearer Laws and Specific Offences

The coalition believes that existing Malaysian laws, such as the Federal Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code, clearly outline the legal obligations of police officers.

However, they argue that there is a need for additional specific laws to address violations committed by law enforcement officers, particularly in cases involving torture, illegal searches, or denial of legal rights.

They propose enacting special criminal offences targeting police misconduct to ensure greater accountability.

They further highlight the challenge posed by the fact that police misconduct often occurs in the presence of fellow officers, who may be reluctant to report their colleagues. This creates a culture of impunity within the force, making it difficult for victims to seek justice.

Recommendations for Reform

The coalition’s demands include the immediate investigation, charging, and trial of the officers responsible for the enforced disappearance of Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat, as well as the disclosure of their whereabouts.

They also call for the prosecution of officers involved in the disappearance of Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu, based on findings from SUHAKAM’s public inquiry.

Moreover, the group advocates for the prosecution of the officers involved in the assault of Ong Ing Keong and those found guilty of homicide in recent court decisions.

They also call for the implementation of new laws to address police misconduct and for the government to take active steps to discard the perception that law enforcement officers are immune from prosecution.

The coalition urges the Malaysian government to demonstrate its commitment to justice by ensuring that all law enforcement officers who break the law are charged and tried in open courts.

This transparency, they argue, is critical to restoring public faith in the country’s criminal justice system.

The list of the 29 organisations in the coalition

1. ALIRAN
2. MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)
3. Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement
4. Association of Home and Maquila Workers (ATRAHDOM), Guatemala
5. Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), India
6. Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC)
7. Greenpeace Malaysia
8. Global Women’s Strike, UK
9. Haiti Action Committee
10. KLSCAH Civil Rights Committee (KLSCAH CRC)
11. Legal Action for Women, UK
12. Migrant Care, Indonesia
13. National Garment Workers Federation, Bangladesh
14. North South Initiative, Malaysia
15. National Union of Transport Equipment & Allied Industries Workers (NUTEAIW), West Malaysia
16. Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
17. PAYDAY Men’s Network (UK/US)
18. Persatuan Amal Progresif Malaysia
19. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor (PSWS)
20. Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), India
21. Sabah Timber Industry Employees Union (STIEU)
22. Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA)
23. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
24. Singapore Anti Death Penalty Campaign (SADPC)
25. The Workers’ Assistance Center, Inc. (WAC), Philippines
26. Union of Domestic, Maquila, Nexas and Related Workers (SITRADOM), Guatemala
27. WH4C (Workers Hub for Change)
28. Black Women for Wages for Housework, US
29. Women of Color/Global Women’s Strike, US/UK