Breaking the silence: G25 supports call for royal commission on GISB child abuse scandal
The grouping of prominent former civil servants demands immediate action and transparency in the GISB case to protect vulnerable children and restore faith in Malaysia's justice system
We, the members of G25, wholeheartedly support the call from the Malaysian Bar for a royal commission of inquiry to be set up as soon as possible to investigate the alarming allegations of the inhumane treatment of children living in the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) welfare homes and their teachings.
A royal commission would not only assist in the investigations but also promote accountability and reforms that will improve how such matters are handled in the future to avoid the delays we have seen in this case.
On 11 September, police conducted a raid that resulted in the rescue of 402 children from 20 homes associated with GISB, leading to 171 arrests at the time.
Inspector General of Police Razarudin Husain reported that the victims, all local children, some found to be children of GISB members, suffered various forms of exploitation and abuse.
Since then, more arrests have been made, bank accounts have been frozen, and religious authorities have been called into action.
In his lecture on 12 September at Alwi Mosque in Kangar, the Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin spoke about GISB. He said this issue had been presented to various parties, including the Islamic development department Jakim and enforcement agencies. But, because no action had been taken, the group conducting the study brought the case to the Perlis fatwa committee.
According to a media report on 14 September, Jakim director general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said action against GISB began in February 2019 and included 12 meetings, workshops, special taskforces and collaborations with national security agencies such as the National Security Council, Ministry of Home Affairs and the police.
So, we must ask, if the police were already involved in February 2019, why was the closing of the GISB welfare homes and removal of the children not done sooner? We are shocked that it has been over five years since issues surrounding GISB have been known to the authorities without any move to shut them down while investigating.
This raises serious questions about the systemic failures in our enforcement agencies that allowed for such abuses to persist, and highlights a troubling delay in the execution and administration of justice in our country, especially regarding the administration of religion.
We, G25, once again call on the government to look into the administration of Islam in our country at a deeper level. Delays in execution and action just because of religious sensitivities leave room for neglect at the expense of the innocent.
The impact of these incidents on the affected children is profound and long-lasting. The trauma they have experienced can severely affect their emotional and psychological development, potentially hindering their ability to lead fulfilling lives. It is imperative that we not only seek immediate justice but also ensure long-term support and rehabilitation for these children.
The leadership and management of GISB must be held responsible for failing to provide a safe environment for these children, alongside the regulatory bodies that neglected their duty to protect these vulnerable individuals.
We are heartened by the statement on 21 September by Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who shared his disappointment and called out the delays in action against GISB. He stated that immediate and firm action without compromise under the law must be taken against any party involved in criminal activities involving children and practices contrary to the creed (akidah) to safeguard the sanctity of Islam. He also urged all religious enforcement agencies and the police to always carry out their investigations with transparency, integrity and trust, in line with the responsibilities vested on them.
We are glad that our religious leaders are speaking up on this issue, with the Perlis fatwa committee issuing a fatwa (religious ruling) banning GISB as a deviant group on 20 September.
On 21 September, Terengganu mufti Dr Mohamad Sabri Harun also reportedly spoke up on GISB. He said that despite the absence of reports in Terengganu, the GISB movement is being taken seriously and cooperation from all parties is essential in addressing the issue.
We hope other religious leaders will also speak out on this matter and join the call to deter ongoing support for such [deviant] organisations and to safeguard our children and people from further harm.
It is crucial that those responsible face justice to protect the rights of those affected.
We must act decisively to prevent future incidents and restore public trust in the systems designed to protect our people.
Together, let us advocate for justice and the safeguarding of our children’s rights.
This should begin with the immediate setting up of the royal commission of inquiry for this case. Any inaction or delayed action on this matter would only tarnish our image internationally. – G25 Malaysia - ALIRAN Website
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