Major child abuse case gets Malaysian King’s attention, police to probe CEO of company allegedly linked to charity homes
Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim, today instructed the Royal Malaysia Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged criminal, and child abuse cases allegedly linked to Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISBH).
His Majesty, in a Facebook post, said he viewed the matter seriously, and advised all parties not to make any extreme statements or views related to religious issues. He emphasised the need to handle matters regarding the faith of Muslims with care.
“I want a thorough investigation, and immediate action to be taken,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on Sept 13, called on police not to delay the investigation, and “to take appropriate action, according to the law”.
What is Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings?
The company has its roots as the business arm of the Al-Arqam religious movement, which was declared illegal in 1994. The company changed its name from the Arqam Group to Rufaqa Corp before settling on GISBH in 2010, shortly before the death of the movement’s leader, Ashaari Muhammad.
Its global assets are said to be worth about RM325 million, with supermarkets, minimarkets, bakeries, restaurants and other businesses in Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. It employs nearly 5,400 people and has 25 subsidiaries, including charity homes.
What are the allegations against the group?
On Sept 11, 705 police officers and 287 personnel from other government agencies launched operation ‘Op Global’ and raided 20 charity homes – 18 in Selangor and two in Negeri Sembilan – allegedly linked to Global Ikhwan.
They rescued 402 children, 13 of whom were allegedly sodomised or had been taught to sexually assault others. Police said the victims were punished with hot metal objects and inappropriate touching, under the pretext of ‘religious medical treatment’.
An ustaz and a dormitory warden were among the 171 people – 66 men and 105 women aged between 17 and 64 – taken into custody.
The company issued a statement on Sept 12, denying the accusations, claiming that the welfare homes were “clearly not operated by GISBH”. It said “certain parties had a hidden agenda aimed at tarnishing its reputation” and that it had moved away from its past association with the Al-Arqam group. It also added that it had positioned itself as a multinational company.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, on Sept 13, said the suspects are being investigated under the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
Who is Global Ikhwan’s leader, and what does he have to say?
Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali is Global Ikhwan’s executive chairman and chief executive officer.
In a video released by the company on Sept 14, Nasiruddin said there were “one or two sodomy cases”.
“Yes, there were one or two cases of sodomy, but why generalise all the other innocent children and accuse us of human trafficking?” he asked.
“Our businesses have suffered. Our products are all halal-certified by Jakim (Islamic Development Department of Malaysia).”
However, on Sept 15, Jakim said the group’s Roti Ikhwan products were not halal-certified.
What is the latest?
Razarudin said at a press conference today that police have called Nasiruddin to assist with the investigation.
Former members would also be called in to help with the investigation into the company.
Razarudin added the children suffered physical and emotional abuse, with elements of child grooming and child labour. Some of the children suffered from malnutrition.
Police have frozen 96 bank accounts containing RM581,552.31 under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act. It has also confiscated eight vehicles belonging to Global Ikhwan.
