Lam Chang Nam, who was previously implicated in Koh’s kidnapping, is alleged to have extorted RM30,000 from the victim’s family on the pretext of securing his release.

Earlier today, Petaling Jaya magistrate Nurshahira Abdul Salim ordered Lam to enter his defence, ruling that the prosecution has proven the charge under Section 385 of the Penal Code which deals with extortion.

Lam’s lawyer, Aaron Mark Pius said the hearing will continue on Dec 9 and 10.

“We will put our best defence to fight this charge,” he said, adding that they have yet to decide whether to call other witnesses.

Previously, Lam was freed on charges of kidnapping and confining Koh, after the prosecution withdrew the charges against him.

Koh was kidnapped by several suspects on Feb 13, 2017 in broad daylight.

A public inquiry by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) concluded that Koh, and another missing activist Amri Che Mat were victims of enforced disappearance, and that the police were responsible.

The families of both victims have since sued the government and the police.