GISBH - actions against deviant religious practices should be against individuals or the sect - not against businesses.
He [Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain] said police also met representatives of Pusat Kajian Ajaran Sesat (PUKAS) six months ago.“They were the ones who channelled initial information and facilitated the re-opening of investigations of various police reports lodged against GISBH,” he said when contacted today. - Malay Mail, 14/9/2024
In a statement today, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS welcomes a transparent and professional investigation into the various allegations against GISBH and fully supports strict action being taken on those found guilty...
The eagerness to punish GISBH should not have a detrimental effect on the group as a whole, especially on its innocent members or on the legitimate, law-abiding, and beneficial aspects of GISBH’s activities, Takiyuddin said.It’s extensive business network should be protected from hasty and unfair action that may arise from reckless sentiments, prejudices, business rivalries, or political agendas of those seeking to take advantage of the situation,...FMT, 22/9/2024
'A business centre made up of restaurants, car workshops, thrift shops, printing services, supermarkets, bakeries, media service centres, hotels, boutiques, galleries, and various other businesses operating under the GISBH banner was raided in Rawang, Selangor, yesterday.Several GISBH business premises in Putrajaya, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu have also closed in response to the current controversy surrounding the company.' .FMT, 22/9/2024
Police confirmed today that 96 bank accounts with a total of RM581,552 held by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), a company that authorities had linked to a raid last week, have been frozen... FMT, 17/9/2024
WHY THE CRACKDOWN OF GISBH PREMISSES AND BUSINESSES? Odd if it just linked to ALLEGATIONS of abuse of children at Children Homes? Then go after the perpetrators - not the other business ventures. Note also the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
What exactly are the suspected offence? How are offences committed by specific individuals linked to GISBH(the company/employer)? After Najib and other UMNO members were suspected of abuse of power/corruptions/etc - would it justify a 'crackdown' on UMNO as a whole - freezing of accounts, closure of other premises, etc...No, it would not - so what is happening to GISBH - and what is the legal justification? Besides the arrest of suspected perpetrators and victims of sexual abuse, sodomy, etc on 11 September, I am trying to find the justification for the closure of bank accounts, and the targeting of other BUSINESS premises.
OR, is it against religious deviation in Islam. Can the Federal police act against religious deviants - note that only recently State authorities on Islam are making conclusions about Islamic practices that are 'deviant' - not allowed in Malaysia. With regard to Islamic Deviants, should not action by police come after State Islamic authorities make a decision about GIBSH, not before? Should not the action be for offences against State Syariah laws?
Did the police act prematurely. Police seems to be acting also based on information of Pusat Kajian Ajaran Sesat (PUKAS) or Malaysian Centre for the Study of Deviant Teachings (PUKAS)- But who is PUKAS? Is it an entity recognized by Malaysia - not much details, no names of persons involved and a FB Page that recently started on about mid-2024??
The Kelantan Mufti, Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad, stated that there is no need to issue a new fatwa regarding the teachings and beliefs within GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) if they are linked to Al-Arqam...“If this is connected to Al-Arqam, then the fatwa has already been decided.- Malay Mail, 21/9/2024
Terengganu will only issue a fatwa (edict), declaring the teachings of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) as deviant, if clear evidence is presented. - Malay Mail, 21/9/2024
Yesterday[20/9/2024], the Perlis State Fatwa Committee has officially declared the beliefs and teachings of GISBH as deviant, making Perlis the first state to take such a stance against the organisation..- Malay Mail, 21/9/2024
Well, it all started with a raid on several children homes - allegation of sexual abuse, sodomy, etc. ODD because crimes of this nature are committed by individual perpetrators - so the investigation/arrest is usually resulted in arrest of individual suspectss - not the companies that own/operate such homes or other innocent persons??
So why is the police targeting business premises and company bank accounts? Assault, sexual assault, sodomy, deviant Islamic teachings, possession of 'banned' materials are all individual crimes - should not there be no action against businesses, business premises and business accounts? This is not a 'kleptocracy' case, or a tax-evasion case, or corruption? Remember, the Company is still a validly registered entity - did they break any rules that may cause them to be de-registered? Remember all business within the State and/or Local Government jurisdiction ONLY with the required permits from the relevant local government?
Police confirmed today that 96 bank accounts with a total of RM581,552 held by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), a company that authorities had linked to a raid last week, have been frozen. Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the bank accounts were frozen under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.
A crackdown on the banned Al-Arqam - then actions should be taken against individuals > not their businesses or income generating activities. In the 1994, Arqam ISA crackdown - was there anyone then charged and convicted for any crimes, be it in the Criminal Courts, or in the Syariah Courts?
Anwar rightly pointed out ‘The police investigate, the judges deliver the sentence. Before a sentence is passed, suspects should not be punished beforehand,” he said in his speech during the 25th SUHAKAM anniversary here today (BERNAMA, 9/9/2024) . See also the BERNAMA Report
Is what is happening to GISBH not 'punishment beforehand' - for to date, it is ALL ALLEGATIONS - no one is yet to be tried and convicted by the Courts. Can a business or the employer be GUILTY for offences committed by some staff?
In Malaysia, FREEDOM OF RELIGION is acknowledged in the Constitution, but when it comes to Islam - it falls within the jurisdiction of the State, who can do criminalize deviations in Islam - BUT, what is the OFFENCE and the penalty/sentence - it differs from State to State, and also the Federal Territories. To date, no indication under which Syariah offence is GIBSH and/or its members being investigated under...
Another concern, is the fact that police reports have been made since 2011, why did the police not act sooner - investigate and prosecute suspected criminals?
GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) had been on the police 'watch list' since 2011, and the coordinated raids on 20 welfare homes were the culmination of a six-month probe to gather intelligence, build a case, and formulate an action plan.Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police had been monitoring the company long before the recent allegations of child exploitation and abuse went viral on social media.He said six months ago, he met with representatives from the Research Centre for Deviant Teachings (Pukas)."They were the ones who passed us the information that facilitated the revisit of various police reports lodged against GISBH," he told the New Straits Times.
A timeline of Op Global: 402 children rescued, abuse uncovered from Global Ikhwan-linked welfare homes
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — On Sept 11, the police carried out a Op Global which saw a raid on 20 charity houses linked to GlSB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) who were allegedly involved in child exploitation activities and alleged doctrine of bigotry.
Following the raid, a total of 402 residents of the charity house were rescued and 171 individuals between the ages of 17 and 64 were arrested.
Here is the chronology of the case as of today:
Aug 16
Malaysia Centre for the Study of Heresy (PUKAS) through its official Facebook page revealed the alleged heresy activities in GISBH.
Sept 6
Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin on his official Facebook page raised the issue of violence and cruelty associated with GISBH which requires investigation and intervention by the authorities.
Sept 11
Police raided 20 charity houses believed to belong to GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan and arrested 171 individuals to help investigate cases of child and religious exploitation. Police revealed that a total of 402 individuals, 201 male and 201 female aged between one and 17 years old, were rescued in the operation. From that number, a total of 10 children are Persons with Disabilities (OKU) and autism and were handed over to the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) after screening.
The remaining 392 underwent a health screening test at the Police Training Center (Pulapol) Kuala Lumpur.
GISBH issued a statement denying allegations that they exploit children as workers and stated that they will not compromise with activities that violate the law, especially involving children.
Sept 12
The process of documenting rescued children continues at Pulapol Kuala Lumpur.
A 19-year-old teenage girl was charged in the Seremban Sessions Court, Negeri Sembilan with four charges of physical abuse against four children girls between the ages of five and six at a childcare center in Seremban linked to GISBH. The accused pleaded not guilty.
Sept 13
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain held a second press conference regarding the case and revealed that a total of 41 police reports related to GISBH had been received since 2011 until September this year.
A total of 159 individuals from the 171 detained were remanded while the rest are minors and no need to be investigated.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed the matter of faith, misuse of power and religion and abuse of children are serious matters that need to be dealt with immediately.
Sept 14
The third media conference of the IGP stated that the raid on 20 charity houses through Op Global was the result of six months of police intelligence and investigation.
The investigation into the company has however, been carried out since 2011 and the police met with PUKAS representatives six months ago.
Sept 15
Police confirmed that 483 individuals had recorded conversations consisting of complainants, witnesses, victims and suspects.
A total of 384 children and teenagers completed a health screening and the results of the screening found that there were characteristics of neglect and abuse.
Sept 17
The head of the National Police confirmed that 96 accounts belonging to GISBH have been frozen, as well as four accounts closed involving assets worth more than RM581,000.
All 392 victims rescued through Op Global have completed health screening, physical and emotional criminal elements have been detected.
Three investigation papers regarding Op Global were submitted to the Attorney General’s Department.
Sept 18
A businessman who is also a GISBH member, Mohamad Riza Makar, pleaded not guilty at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court, near here to the charge of making criminal threats against a woman last Sept 9.
Sept 19
19 individuals including top management, wives and several GISBH leaders were remanded for seven days to assist investigations.
Three student assistants from a madrasah in Kuala Pilah, who are suspected of having links with GISBH, were charged in the Seremban Sessions Court, Negeri Sembilan with 14 charges of sexually abusing five children in 2022 and 2023. They pleaded not guilty.
Sept 20
Seven more individuals suspected of having links with GISBH were arrested to assist in the investigation of human trafficking cases. They include the son of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Mohammad, a Youth Defender of the Ummah (RPU) GISB group.
Another teaching assistant at a madrasah in Kuala Pilah was charged in the Sessions Court in Seremban and pleaded not guilty to six charges of sexual assault against four boys, last year.
The Special Meeting of the Perlis State Fatwa Committee
decided that the beliefs and teachings in GISBH contain elements of
heresy, especially inner teachings. — Bernama, Malay Mail,21/9/2024
96 Global Ikhwan bank accounts frozen, 4 closed, says IGP
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain also says they have ordered the seizure of eight vehicles belonging to the company.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the bank accounts were frozen under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.
He also said four of GISBH’s accounts had been closed.
Razarudin said police also ordered for eight vehicles belonging to the company to be seized.
Last Wednesday, police raided 20 welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan which authorities had linked to GISBH.
According to police, 402 children were rescued and investigations showed that at least 13 of them were allegedly sodomised or taught to sexually assault others.
The authorities also arrested 171 people, including an ustaz and a hostel warden.
GISBH initially denied operating the welfare homes that were raided and rejected claims children under its care were sodomised or forced to sexually assault others.
However, on Saturday, its CEO Nasiruddin Ali admitted that cases of sodomy had occurred within the organisation in the past and that they were discussed internally.
While he did not give details about the
nature of the offences or identify the parties involved in the
discussions, he said there had been one or two cases of sodomy
Razarudin said they have summoned Nasiruddin to have his statement taken in the nearest future
Police will also investigate a claim made by Nasiruddin in a video on the raid, he said, but did not go into specifics.
Razarudin said the claim that Nasiruddin had discussed such cases with the relevant authorities was not true as police were not aware of it.
He also rejected Nasiruddin’s invitation to discuss the alleged sexual offences that took place in the welfare homes operated by GISBH.
Is there a need to discuss such matters? We are carrying out our probe transparently and fairly to defend the rights of the victims, he said.
Apart from the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, GISBH is being investigated under the Child Act, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act and offences under the Penal Code.. FMT, 17/9/2024
Protect GISBH’s business network from unfair action, says PAS
The company reportedly owns supermarkets, minimarkets, bakeries, restaurants and other businesses in Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe and China.
In a statement today, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS welcomes a transparent and professional investigation into the various allegations against GISBH and fully supports strict action being taken on those found guilty.
The eagerness to punish GISBH should not have a detrimental effect on the group as a whole, especially on its innocent members or on the legitimate, law-abiding, and beneficial aspects of GISBH’s activities, Takiyuddin said.
It’s extensive business network should be protected from hasty and unfair action that may arise from reckless sentiments, prejudices, business rivalries, or political agendas of those seeking to take advantage of the situation, he said without elaborating.
A business centre made up of restaurants, car workshops, thrift shops, printing services, supermarkets, bakeries, media service centres, hotels, boutiques, galleries, and various other businesses operating under the GISBH banner was raided in Rawang, Selangor, yesterday.
Several GISBH business premises in Putrajaya, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu have also closed in response to the current controversy surrounding the company.
According to a 2022 report, GISBH owns supermarkets, minimarkets, bakeries, restaurants and other businesses in Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe and China.
GISBH previously said it had discarded its former image as the business wing of the banned Al-Arqam sect and is currently positioned as a multinational company.
The company made headlines earlier this month when police raided welfare homes authorities linked to the company and rescued 402 children, some of whom were allegedly sodomised and coached to sexually assault others.
Police then arrested 171 people, including an ustaz and a hostel warden; since then 155 more people have been arrested, with 102 men and 84 women rescued from premises linked to GISBH.
Four men linked to GISBH have since been charged with sexual assault while another man was charged with criminal intimidation for threatening a woman to withdraw a police report she made against the company.
GISBH has denied that it operated the welfare homes that were raided and rejected claims that children under its care were sodomised or forced to sexually assault others.
However, its CEO, Nasiruddin Ali, later admitted that cases of sodomy had occurred within the organisation in the past.
Meanwhile, police said a total of 34 children were rescued in raids on the homes of GISBH members and business premises in Melaka yesterday. - FMT, 22/9/2024
What we know so far: The GISBH scandal involving sexual, physical abuse of kids in welfare homes
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — On September 11, the nation was rocked by reports of sexual and physical abuse of children at welfare homes linked to the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), following mass raids and the arrest of 171 individuals, including caretakers and religious teachers, in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
GISBH is currently at the centre of a multi-agency investigation for a slew of criminal activities, including: child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and promoting Islamic deviancy.
Here is the latest on the situation involving Op Global, which is currently in the fourth stage:
- The company’s top executives, including CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, the son of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Mohamad, have been arrested.
- Nineteen individuals, including top management, their spouses, and several GISBH leaders, have been remanded for seven days to assist with investigations.
- A massive raid of several business networks believed to linked to GISBH were conducted in an integrated operation in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang on Saturday.
- The police are now monitoring social media for content related to GISBH, while the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission is reviewing parodies involving the matter.
- On Saturday, another 186 victims were found, resulting in the arrest of an additional 78 men and 77 women across Malaysia. Previously, 402 children were rescued.
- GISBH shops and outlet across the countries have all closed their doors.
Read here for the full timeline of events leading to the raids and arrests.
Who have been charged?
The list so far includes:
- September 12: A 19-year-old girl with four charges of physical abuse against four children girls between the ages of five and six at a childcare centre at Seremban Sessions Court, Negeri Sembilan.
- September 18: Businessman Mohamad Riza Makar was charged with making criminal threats against a woman last on September 9, at Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court.
- September 19: Three teaching assistants from an Islamic school in Kuala Pilah were charged at the Seremban Sessions Court, Negeri Sembilan. Muhammad Habib Noh Mohd Zairi, 21, Muhammad Khunais Fathie Khabil, 20, and Ahmad Nadzful Izham Azizan, 22, faced 14 charges of sexually abusing five children in 2022 and 2023.
- September 20: A 20-year-old teaching assistant at an Islamic school in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan faced six charges of sexually abusing four boys last year under Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 at Seremban Sessions Court, Negeri Sembilan.
All of the accused claimed trial.
On September 17, Razarudin confirmed that 96 bank accounts belonging to GISBH worth more than RM581,000 have been frozen, and four accounts closed.
What did the rescued children go through?
The 392 victims rescued have completed the health screening, and physical and emotional criminal elements have been detected. Here's what we know about them:
- Preliminary investigations found that the children who resided there were not only allegedly sodomised by the caretakers, but also taught to perform similar acts on the other children at the home.
- The children were subjected to abuse as they would be punished with heated metal objects when they made mistakes.
- The children who resided there were not orphans, their parents left them in the care of the homes.
In response, GISBH chief coordination officer Adib Attamimi denied allegations that he and other company officials coached children at welfare homes linked to the business to perform sodomy.
However, the abuse was confirmed by Global Ikhwan’s executive chairman and chief executive himself, as he admitted that a few cases of sodomy occurred at its welfare homes in a video.
Were there evidences of Al-Arqam teachings?
The controversy is not merely centred around sexual and physical abuse taking place in the homes but its links to the religiously deviant Al-Arqam group which was banned by the national fatwa council in 1994.
Recent discoveries have proved that the teachings are still alive as books and pamphlets associated with the deviant group were found on the raided premises. These included in Melaka raids on 19 premises linked to GISBH:
- 12 photographs of al-Arqam’s founder, Ashaari Muhammad
- 38 books related to al-Arqam, which have been banned in the state, including ‘Aurad Muhammadiyah’ and the ‘Zikir Aurad Muhammadiyah’ table — a diary documenting the teachings of Al-Arqam
- 33 compact discs associated with Al-Arqam teachings and several electronic devices
In Kelantan, authorities found dozens of books about the doctrines practised by the organisation, buried near three homes associated with the top management of GISBH and its CEO. The homes are believed to house approximately 30 individuals, including the leader’s second wife and more than 20 children in Kampung Panji, Kota Baru.
Some items were reportedly burned to eliminate evidence and evade seizure.
In Penang, four premises, including two childcare centres linked to GISBH were raided and six religious books suspected to be linked to the banned Al-Arqam movement, outlawed by the National Fatwa Council in 1994 were confiscated.
What has Putrajaya said on this?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had on September 13 called for investigations to be wrapped up quickly:
“If this is true, investigate the matter, this is very important as it has become a big matter that is linked to abuse of the Islam religion and childcare.”
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has since announced a special committee on the matter, with the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs’ Muzakarah Committee to discuss it this week.
Former followers will also be called to testify, while the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) said the evidences seized would determine the faith status of the followers.
All of this information collated would be presented to the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs to decide whether there needs to be a fatwa to declare GISBH as a religiously deviant organisation.
Opposition party PAS, however cautioned the government against being over-zealous in prosecuting GISBH members. The Islamist party's secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said any innocent members should not be punished.
“PAS believes that the positive aspects of the group, including its extensive business network, should be preserved and protected from hasty and unfair actions that may stem from impulsive sentiment, prejudice, business competition, or certain political agendas by those seeking to exploit the situation.”
What have others, including the state muftis said?
On September 20, Perlis became the first state to declare the teachings of Global Ikhwan as religiously deviant and un-Islamic in a fatwa or religious ruling. According to Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin:
“GISBH members venerate their leaders and religious figures to the extent of equating them with prophets, attributing them with the power to perform miracles, and claiming they possess knowledge of the unseen, as though they were divine.
“Such beliefs are deviant and have strayed from Islam.”
However, Kelantan Mufti Datuk Mohamad Shukri Mohamad was more cautious on a new fatwa:
“If this is connected to Al-Arqam, then the fatwa has already been decided. Only if there are new elements, aspects, or facts not covered by the previous fatwa would we consider issuing a new ruling.”
This opinion was also shared by Terengganu Mufti Datuk Dr Mohamad Sabri Harun:
“As of now, there have been no complaints regarding the teachings of GISBH in Terengganu. Should a complaint arise, we will await the MKI’s decision, and only after substantial and clear evidence is provided, will we declare the teachings of GISBH as deviant.”
On Saturday, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Sultan of Selangor, expressed disappointment and regret that religious authorities did not act earlier against welfare homes run by GISBH.
His Royal Highness also ordered the immediate closure of all unregistered welfare homes and Islamic schools in Selangor, operated by GISBH and its network, suspected of involvement in any criminal activities, as a preventive measure to safeguard children from exploitation.
“I wish to remind all parties, especially the religious authorities, to take the issues related to the behavior of GISBH seriously, particularly when it involves children and the suspected heretical teachings practiced by them.
“I do not want us to be likened to a ‘hollow tin’, meaning merely good at talking but with no results. We must adhere to the principle of ‘walk the talk’ or putting our words into action.”
Following this, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) said it will present a comprehensive report on the group’s activities. This includes updates on the 30 unregistered welfare homes operated by GISBH in Selangor, and investigations on the alleged appointment of mosque committee members from GISBH at a mosque in Rawang.
Are GISBH products halal?
A curious side-story to the scandal involves the way GISBH runs its business — which included numerous supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, factories, and restaurants both domestically and abroad.
Last week, religious authorities confirmed that Global Ikhwan’s bread products did not renew its halal certification since 2017. Authorities are investigating whether its poultry abattoir under Ikhwan Poultry Sdn Bhd carries the halal certification after allegations that it does not.
The company will also be investigated for not paying wages to its workers following complaints.
GISBH markets itself as a Bumiputera-Muslim-run business, holds assets worldwide worth RM325 million and owns 415 business outlets across 20 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australasia.
At least two of its businesses, a restaurant in Mecca and Singapore, have distanced themselves from the controversy.
GISBH emerged from a series of rebrands of a supposedly religiously deviant group, initially known as the Arqam Group. It was first renamed Rufaqa Corp before ultimately becoming GISBH.
The action against Global Ikhwan was prompted by 41 police reports that had been lodged against the company from 2011 until September 7 this year.
The police also urged individuals who believe they may have been victims of GISBH activities to lodge police reports to build a more comprehensive case against the group. - Malay Mail, 23/9/2024
GISBH is accused of being Al-Arqam’s evolution — Here’s how the deviant religious group grew, led by its charismatic leader ‘Abuya’
- Perlis declared the Global Ikhwan Group religiously deviant and un-Islamic for venerating leaders as prophets with divine powers.
- Al-Arqam was founded in 1968 by Ashaari Mohammad and became controversial for its deviant teachings, including claims Ashaari had met Prophet Muhammad.
- GISBH evolved from Al-Arqam, rebranding through Rufaqa Corp, and currently operates businesses across 20 countries with assets worth RM325 million.
- Raids in multiple states revealed links between GISBH and Al-Arqam, including banned religious books and materials linked to deviant teachings.
- Authorities are investigating GISBH for human trafficking and child exploitation, with over 400 children rescued during recent police operations.
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — The enigmatic business group Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) is currently under media spotlight for being at the centre of a multi-agency investigation for a slew of criminal activities, including child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and promoting Islamic deviancy.
The group has long been under suspicion for its link to the banned Al-Arqam movement, and continues to face scrutiny over its controversial practices and beliefs. Perlis became the first state to issue a fatwa, or religious ruling, declaring GISBH as deviant.
So what happened to Al-Arqam, and how did the group including its former members evolved into GISBH? Malay Mail explores.
How did Al-Arqam begin?
Al-Arqam began in 1968 at a house where initial meetings took place in Keramat, Kuala Lumpur, which was painted white and became known as “Rumah Putih” (White House).
Within its first two years, the group faced backlash and accusations of spreading deviant Islamic teachings, yet it still attracted a number of young Malays at the time.
The group was led by Ashaari Mohammad, an ex-government religious teacher, who would go on to establish a self-sustained village in Kampung Sungai Penchala, Kuala Lumpur, in 1975.
The village was equipped with a mosque, dormitories, a school, houses and shops, all operating on Islamic principles, and the group began to publish printed materials to spread its teachings.
Three years later, the group renamed itself to Al-Arqam to honour the companion of Prophet Muhammad, Arqam ibn Abi Arqam, who allowed his house in Mecca to be used as the early meeting place for Muslims.
The group also joined forces with Islamist group Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim), and Ashaari was even offered the post of president — which he declined.
Why is Al-Arqam banned?
In 1986, controversy surrounded Ashaari’s book Aurad, which claimed that Prophet Muhammad and the four caliphs could be met physically and consciously in the real world.
Al-Argam also operated unregistered primary and secondary schools that followed a different syllabus from the national curriculum, with a focus on religious education.
Ashaari also implied he was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and asked his followers to address him as Syeikh Abuya Iman Ashaari Muhammad At-Tamini — or just “Abuya” in short.
It was also reported that he made assertions that he had met with the Prophet.
The movement was declared deviant in 1994, and the book Aurad was banned in 1998 by the National Fatwa Council.
In September 1994, Ashaari was detained for two years under the Internal Security Act 1960 and died in 2010.
How is GISBH related to Al-Arqam?
After Ashaari established his village in 1975, the group built a chain of business activities locally and abroad.
Arqam Group was initially founded on Islamic business principles, focusing on the halal economy and establishing factories and grocery shops.
The company was later rebranded as Rufaqa Corp and eventually renamed Global Ikhwan Group before Ashaari’s death.
GISBH markets itself as a Bumiputera-Muslim-run business, with assets worth RM325 million and an annual revenue of RM187 million and owns business outlets across 20 countries across the globe, news site The Malaysian Reserve reported last month.
It runs numerous supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, factories, and restaurants both nationwide and worldwide.
The company also operates restaurants in major cities such as London, Paris and Dubai, as well as accommodations in Turkiye, a hotel in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a 120-acre estate in Perth, Australia.
GISBH now has a total of 5,346 employees under its 25 subsidiaries, according to The Malaysian Reserve.
In a statement on September 12, the company said it has moved away from its past association with the Al-Arqam group and positioned itself as a multinational business.
Raids reveal continued links to Al-Arqam and alleged criminal activities
Despite its rebranding, GISBH’s ties to Al-Arqam teachings remain, as shown in recent raids in Melaka, Kelantan, and Penang.
GISBH is at the centre of a multi-agency investigation on suspicion of running a criminal racket involving human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children in the name of religion.
Police started raids on properties linked to the corporation in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan on September 11, rescuing over 400 children, some whom Razarudin later announced had been sodomised and taught to sexually assault other minors.
The raids, codenamed Op Global, have covered all of peninsular Malaysia to date and some 200 people, including senior GISBH executives, have been arrested and their assets frozen.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Bernama, former members of GISBH have alleged that they were brainwashed to believe that the group leaders were appointed by the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Mahadi and guides from the spiritual realm.
On Saturday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said
that Op Global has entered its fourth phase across Peninsular Malaysia,
with raids conducted at 82 premises, resulting in the rescue of 186
victims, comprising 102 men and 84 women, while 155 suspects, consisting
of 78 men and 77 women, were arrested. - Malay Mail, 23/9/2024
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