KUALA LUMPUR – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail affirmed in the Dewan Rakyat today that there are no political motives behind the authorities’ crackdown on alleged offences committed by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).
Saifuddin said that while it is important to approach the subject of GISBH’s supposed criminal misdeeds with “sensitivity,” the government views the accusations against the multinational conglomerate – which has been linked to the banned deviant sect Al-Arqam – with serious regard.
“It’s vital that comprehensive investigations based on existing laws are carried out before any conclusion or judgment is made,” Saifuddin said in the lower House during his ministerial briefing on the GISBH issue.
“It’s clear that there are no political motives by the government whatsoever in handling this case, (which also involves) crimes against children.”
Recently, former Putrajaya Umno deputy chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz uploaded a video allegedly depicting a Welfare Department official asserting that authorities have “no case” relating to the children rescued from GISBH-linked care centres and religious schools.
At the same time, a parents’ movement called “Pulangkan Anak-Anak Kami”, in which Tun Faisal is a spokesperson, has since demanded the immediate return of their children who were taken by authorities as part of their probes into the GISBH matter.
Saifuddin also confirmed that GISBH members are still practising the banned Aurad Muhammadiyah teachings, despite claims to the contrary previously issued by GISBH figures, including company director Khaulah Ashaari, who is also the daughter of Al-Arqam’s founder, Ashaari Muhammad.
“Police investigations thus far have led to confessions indicating that practices related to Aurad Muhammadiyah teachings are still being carried out by those we have apprehended and questioned.
“Even though there are statements from certain quarters claiming that they are no longer practising (the teachings), it is merely their statement. (Authorities) will only speak based on the investigation findings,” he added.
In a press conference yesterday, Khaulah claimed that GISBH chief executive officer Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali had often reminded the group to follow proper Islamic teachings while cautioning them against repeating practices from Al-Arqam, which was banned by the National Fatwa Council in 1994 for deviant teachings.
She said that former Al-Arqam members had also followed courses organised by religious authorities as part of their repentance process.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin also said that police have begun contacting several other nations while utilising mutual legal agreements to ensure that investigations are also carried out into GISBH’s overseas dealings, which potentially include tax evasion and salary arrears.
Last month, in a multi-agency operation dubbed Op Global, police raided more than 20 welfare homes under GISBH and rescued over 600 children, some of whom were believed to have been exploited and sexually abused.
More than 400 people linked to the group have been arrested, and a total of 58 detainees are being held under the contentious Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). – October 15, 2024