GISBH: Don't act like you just got up from sleep, Saifuddin tells lawyers

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has chided a group of lawyers who want to sue the government over alleged misconduct in the rescue of children from homes run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).

Speaking at a media engagement event, he sarcastically told the lawyers not to act like they have "just got up from sleep" and only sprang into action after police rescued over 600 women and children believed to have been exploited by the group.

"Out of nowhere, a group of lawyers say they want to take action. Don't act like you just woke up from sleep.

"We have rescued 625 women and children, at least say thank you," Saifuddin said during the media briefing session held at the Home Ministry in Putrajaya this morning.

He was asked to comment on a statement by six lawyers on Tuesday, who accused the government and police of misconduct and abuse of the law when the authorities separated the children rescued from their parents.

"I appreciate the high level of concern shown by the lawyers. I really appreciate it.

"They only opened their eyes (to the victims' plight) after police had taken action. But I salute them.

"Before police took action to rescue the 625 victims, business was usual for them," said the minister.

Returning the kids

Adding further, Saifuddin said police need to establish several facts before they can return the children to their respective parents.

These include whether the children had been subjected to exploitation or any criminal act, such as sexual assault, and if the parents had surrendered their children voluntarily to GISBH-run shelters.

"Some parents complained that they wanted access to their children and wanted to take them back.

"Of course, the police would have to ask first whether they had surrendered the children (to GISBH care) voluntarily or they were forced to do so.

"If they did it voluntarily and on their own will, that is a problem. If they want to take them back, the police will need some assurance (that the children would not be neglected)," Saifuddin said.

To date, he said, police have already returned 70 children rescued from the shelters to their respective families.

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