In the wake of recent criticism from former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has come forward to defend its actions against Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB). Dr. Mahathir claimed that the police’s response was excessive, comparing it to the crackdown on the Al-Arqam group in the 1990s. However, Bukit Aman CID Director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain insists that the comparison is unfounded, as the legal landscape has evolved significantly since then.
Dr. Mahathir argued in a recent interview that the police seemed determined to "destroy" GISB rather than rehabilitate its members, suggesting that the measures were far harsher than necessary. He cited the actions taken against Al-Arqam in 1994 as a point of comparison. At that time, preventive laws allowed authorities to take action without going through judicial processes. But Shuhaily swiftly countered that today’s police actions are bound by modern legal frameworks.
“It’s not appropriate to compare what happened in 1994 with today’s actions against GISB. Now, we follow transparent legal procedures that require evidence before any arrests or actions are made,” Shuhaily said at a press conference on Thursday. He emphasized that Malaysia’s legal system has become more mature, and the police are committed to adhering to these transparent practices.
On September 11, police raided 20 welfare homes linked to GISB, leading to the rescue of 402 children, with many reportedly suffering from physical and emotional abuse. More disturbingly, 13 cases of sodomy were uncovered during comprehensive medical evaluations. Despite the alarming findings, GISB has firmly denied any involvement in child exploitation or sexual abuse.
The case has since dominated headlines, with public opinion divided over whether the police acted too aggressively or simply did their job to protect the children involved. Dr. Mahathir's remarks added fuel to the fire, suggesting that the police were attempting to destroy GISB without due cause.
A key argument from Shuhaily centers around the shift in legal approaches since the 1990s. Back in 1994, authorities could rely on preventive laws, which bypassed the judicial system and enabled swift actions against groups like Al-Arqam. Today, all arrests must pass through the open legal system, and actions are evidence-based. Shuhaily stressed that the investigation into GISB was conducted transparently, following the modern rule of law.
“Our actions are bound by current laws. We collect evidence and follow judicial procedures before moving forward. There is no room for arbitrary action as some may claim,” Shuhaily explained.
He also noted that GISB’s business operations are tied to Aurad Muhammadiah teachings, a doctrine long flagged as deviant by Malaysian religious authorities, further complicating the organization’s standing.
For the general public, this high-profile case raises significant concerns about the safety of children in welfare homes and the government's oversight of such organizations. Parents, especially those with children in privately run welfare homes, may now demand stricter regulations and frequent audits to prevent such incidents in the future.
Legal experts believe that the investigation into GISB could lead to stricter policies across the welfare sector. "If these allegations prove true, we might see the government impose tougher standards and increased scrutiny for private welfare homes," said a welfare policy expert.
Additionally, the broader public is left questioning the balance between law enforcement and civil rights. Were the police actions justified, or were they overly forceful in dealing with an organization accused of abuse but yet to be proven guilty?
Despite the evidence presented, Dr. Mahathir's accusation of police overreach continues to stir public debate. Many wonder if GISB is being unfairly targeted or if the police’s tough approach is warranted given the severity of the allegations. Shuhaily, however, remains firm, saying the investigation was necessary and conducted within the law.
"The police are tasked with uncovering the truth. We gather evidence and present it to the deputy public prosecutor for further action. This is how the modern legal process works, and we ask that society understand that," he said.
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