What is GISB and how is it related to Malaysia's child abuse scandal? | CNA Explains

Summary

A major child abuse scandal has rocked Malaysia, with over 600 children rescued from welfare homes linked to the controversial GISB conglomerate. The raids, part of 'Op Global,' uncovered abuse allegations, including physical punishment and inappropriate behavior disguised as medical treatment. GISB, founded in 2010, is tied to the banned Al-Arqam Islamic sect and operates a variety of businesses. The Malaysian government is investigating the group's activities, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim vowing action. Authorities are now focused on rehabilitating the children, while some members of the group are receiving faith-based counseling.

Takeaways

• 😀 Over 600 children were rescued and more than 300 people were arrested after police raided welfare homes across Malaysia tied to GISB.
• 😀 GISB (Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings) is a Malaysian conglomerate with nearly US$75 million in assets and operations in 20 countries.
• 😀 GISB has strong ties to the banned Al-Arqam religious sect, which was outlawed in Malaysia in 1994 for promoting a deviant form of Islam.
• 😀 The initial police raids, codenamed 'Op Global,' revealed disturbing abuse practices in GISB-run welfare homes, including sexual abuse and physical punishment of children.
• 😀 Investigations uncovered that GISB exploited religious sentiment to solicit donations, with some children being passed off as orphans for this purpose.
• 😀 The CEO of GISB, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, admitted to cases of sexual abuse in the welfare homes before his arrest in a police raid.
• 😀 Following the raids, further investigations expanded to include allegations of human trafficking, tax evasion, and the promotion of deviant Islamic teachings.
• 😀 Some of GISB's premises were found vacated prior to the raids, and items like horses, rabbits, and peacocks were seized by authorities.
• 😀 The Malaysian government has promised to continue investigating GISB and take action against any crimes committed, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasizing no special treatment for religious leaders.
• 😀 The Malaysian Human Rights Commission has called for regular raids on children's shelters to ensure the safety and welfare of children placed in these homes.
• 😀 The fate of the rescued children is being handled by authorities, with efforts underway to provide rehabilitation and support, including faith-based counseling for both children and GISB members.

Q & A

What is GISB Holdings, and what businesses does it operate?

GISB Holdings is a Malaysian conglomerate founded in 2010, reportedly worth US$75 million globally. It operates around 400 businesses in 20 countries, including supermarkets, clinics, restaurants, bakeries, private schools, and welfare homes.

What connection does GISB have to the banned Al-Arqam sect?

GISB is linked to the banned Al-Arqam movement, which was outlawed in 1994 due to its deviant form of Islam and its leader's messianic claims. After the movement was banned, it rebranded itself as GISB, continuing to promote similar practices.

How many children were rescued during the 'Op Global' raids?

More than 600 children were rescued during the 'Op Global' raids across Malaysia, which were carried out in multiple states, including Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Melaka, and Kelantan.

What were some of the disturbing allegations uncovered during the raids?

The raids uncovered disturbing allegations, including the exploitation of religious sentiment to solicit donations, physical abuse such as children being punished with heated metal spoons, and sexual abuse disguised as medical treatment.

How did GISB respond to the allegations of child abuse?

GISB initially denied the allegations, claiming that the reports were aimed at damaging the company's reputation. However, later, GISB's CEO, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, admitted that there were instances of sexual abuse at the welfare homes.

What other criminal activities is GISB under investigation for?

GISB is under investigation for various crimes, including human trafficking, tax evasion, and promoting deviant Islamic teachings. The scope of the investigation has expanded to include these issues following the raids.

Why were some parents of the rescued children reluctant to claim them?

Some parents of the rescued children were hesitant to claim them, with authorities suggesting that they may have been attempting to conceal their practice of passing off children as orphans to solicit donations.

What were the findings related to GISB's religious practices after the raids?

After the raids, it was discovered that GISB members had been practicing rituals associated with the Al-Arqam movement, including doctrines buried near a riverbank and later burned on-site. These practices were considered deviant by religious authorities.

What has the Malaysian government said about investigating GISB?

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to continue investigating GISB, emphasizing that no one, regardless of their religious standing, would be exempt from legal action if found guilty of committing crimes.

What steps are being taken to help the rescued children?

The Malaysian government has formed a taskforce in Selangor to assist in the rehabilitation of the children. Some states are also exploring faith-based rehabilitation and counseling for GISB members.