M. Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Since February 2019, Jakim, always under the PM’s department, during the rule of four Prime Ministers had not taken action against GISB.
The question on Malaysians' minds is, it has been more than 5.5 years to act. If the four PMs did not act, who did the cover-up?
Thanks to the King who ordered a full probe now. On 17th September 2024, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, ordered the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into alleged criminal elements and child abuse in welfare homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB).
The King viewed the various reports circulating in the media seriously. “The Islamic creed (akidah) must be protected at all times and should not be taken lightly.” His Majesty said in a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday (17th September 2024).
The King, then Sultan of Johor in October 2017 ordered the state Islamic Religious Department (JAIJ) to stop dealing with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department or Jakim.
Last week, PMX Anwar Ibrahim called for swift investigations.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) refuted claims that it had failed to address issues surrounding GISB Sdn Bhd. Its director-general Datin Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said in a statement the department had been since Feb 2019 taking action on GISB. Jakim also declared it has NO enforcement powers, but it has coordinated the meetings among enforcement agencies since 2019.
What was Jakim’s action for over 5.5 years?
- Holding 12 meetings with GISB
- Actions taken against GISB included workshops
- Special task forces
- National programmes involving security agencies
- National Security Council, Home Ministry and the police acted for 5.5 years.
Hakimah added that in February last year, another special meeting was held, between the Jakim experts panel, the police and GISB followers.
"A meeting with GISB's chief executive officer, Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, was held in February this year to further investigate issues relating to faith, shariah, and Sufism issues within the group," she said in a statement.
Malaysians are asking:
- Why did the four PMs not act
- Jakim is under the PM’s Department
- Religious authorities also failed
- Why was a deviation of faith allowed?
- Why were alleged sexual abuses allowed for 5.5 years?
- Perlis Mufti: Why was no action taken?
- Zaid Ibrahim: Why allow a Sodomy epidemic?
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said a special committee would conduct a thorough investigation and study of GISB's doctrines to eradicate deviant teachings. What for 5.5 years?
Earlier, Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said in a video that the GISB issue had been presented to various parties, including Jakim and enforcement authorities, but no action had been taken.
On Sept 11, police rescued 402 children from 20 homes connected to GISB during a raid, leading to 171 arrests.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the victims, who were locals, had endured various forms of exploitation and abuse including being sodomised.
Meanwhile, popular actor and comedian Harith Iskander ripped apart GISB executive chairperson and CEO Nasiruddin Mohd Ali’s response to the police raid on the organisation’s homes, which have been accused of grooming children to commit sexual acts.
Harith was also far from amused with Nasiruddin describing the situation in GISBH following the police’s action as “worse than in Gaza”.
“Sorry, if anybody tries to divert (attention from) whatever is happening to them and compares it to Gaza, as if they are (the) victims. That does not fly with me,” he said.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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