26-9-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a resolute address to the nation, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to pursue a thorough and uncompromising investigation into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB), a Muslim conglomerate embroiled in a shocking child abuse scandal that has rocked the country.
The Prime Minister’s stern stance comes in the wake of revelations by Malaysia’s police chief, Razarudin Husain, who attributed the extreme fanaticism towards GISB’s leadership as a primary factor in followers’ willingness to sacrifice their own lives and those of their family members.
“I am resolute and I will not back down,” declared Mr Anwar, emphasising the gravity of the situation. “If I have to compromise on this issue, then there’s no point in me being the prime minister.” His words underscore the government’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of GISB’s alleged misdeeds, which include sexual abuse, human trafficking, and the propagation of deviant Islamic teachings.
GISB, believed to have close ties to the Al Arqam sect banned by Malaysian religious authorities in 1994 for deviant practices, now finds itself at the centre of a sprawling investigation. The Prime Minister warned that those who commit crimes will face the full force of the law, regardless of their religious claims or status.
“It doesn’t matter if they are preachers and they foam at the mouth when talking about Islam. We will still take action if they commit crimes,” Mr Anwar stated firmly, sending a clear message that no one is above the law.
The scale of the scandal has grown exponentially since initial raids on 11th September, when authorities rescued 402 children and teenagers from 20 care homes allegedly owned by GISB in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. As of 24th September, that number had swelled to 572, with at least 13 victims reportedly subjected to or taught to engage in sexual abuse.
The financial implications of the case are staggering, with police seizing and freezing nearly RM5 million (US$1.21 million) in cash, vehicles, and bank accounts, along with more than a dozen plots of land linked to GISB. Over 300 individuals, including senior management of GISB, have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police Chief Razarudin Husain suggested that many GISB followers may be financially dependent on the group, potentially explaining why they have remained in Malaysia despite the unfolding scandal. “They likely lack the financial means to escape,” he noted, highlighting the complex web of dependency that may have facilitated the alleged abuses.
In a parallel development, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has announced its collaboration with police to investigate 612 individuals allegedly linked to GISB. Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, Selangor Islamic Affairs Committee chairman, revealed that of these, 386 have been identified as rescued victims, 184 are categorised as Persons of Interest, and 42 await classification.
“Eight special investigating officers have been appointed to continue the investigation of several key cases involving high-profile individuals within GISB,” Dr Fahmi stated, underlining the seriousness with which local authorities are treating the matter.
The state government of Selangor has also pledged to work with the Selangor Islamic Religious Council to establish a more streamlined and efficient mechanism for monitoring charitable organisations, following revelations about GISB’s fund-collection practices.
