PKR leader Badrulamin Bahron today insisted that he did nothing wrong by attending a gathering organised by the Global Ikhwan group to celebrate the birthday of the deceased leader of banned sect al-Arqam.

NONE Contacted today, he said that he had attended as a customer of the Global Ikhwan group of companies, and was merely there to “have fun”.

“I didn't get a formal invitation. I was free at the time and my children wanted to watch the pantomime and nasyid performance, so we went,” he said.

Badrulamin ( above ) was nabbed by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) yesterday when it raided the celebration of the 75th birthday of Ashaari Muhammad, referred to by Arqam members as Abuya.

The PKR central leadership member said that he was not the guest of honour but was invited to sit at the tent with tables as the organising committee recognised him.

“I have been their customer for five or six years now. My wife and I buy home supplies from Global Ikhwan.

“Yes, Global Ikhwan is run by the same people who were in Arqam, but I really don't think they are reviving it (the sect). Their sifu (teacher) is gone,” he said.

rufaqa ashaari muhammad 291106 He added that he only patronises Global Ikhwan businesses but does not join their “rituals or meditations”.

“Abuya ( right )was a great man for them. He was a great leader for them. It's not for me to get involved,” he said.

He said that the banner seized by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) from the event was also “up to interpretation”.

“It said ' Abuya terus memimpin walaupun ghaib (Abuya continues leading from the other world)', which could mean anything really,” he said.

'I am proud of them'

Asked why he had attended the event, knowing the controversial nature of the group, he said that he does not like to be suspicious of others.

“We are not all good either, are we? I believe there is a lot to learn from Global Ikhwan. I am proud of them. They have 500 multinational companies, everything from small sundry shops to hospitals.

“They love each other and respect each other. I'm happy being with them, I enjoy the environment. Even PKR members are not like that, and fight among ourselves,” he said.

azlan He said the bond among ex-Arqam members is very strong and it is unreasonable to just expect them to go separate ways following their leader's death.

Badrulamin added that while it may be justified for Jais to investigate the event due to references to the Arqam leader, there was no reason for them to nab guests.

“If you want to investigate, then take in the organising committee. Why the guests? Of the six tables, only people at my table were nabbed,” he said.

He said he was released after about 20 minutes questioning and that Jais will decide later whether to charge him for any offence.

Jais detains PKR leader in raid on 'deviant movement'