GISBH wants to be involved in children's welfare, businesses to continue

Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) has asked the authorities for permission to be involved in the welfare management of children rescued from its premises.

“We will abide by all the rules,” it said in a statement which was read out by lawyer Rosli Kamaruddin during a press conference in Shah Alam.

The group also pleaded with the government to permit GISBH entrepreneurs to continue with their businesses, stressing these were legitimate activities.

Arguing it is not a “terrorist” organisation, GISBH has also asked the authorities to reconsider invoking the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) against its members.

“GISBH, its board of directors and officers have given their fullest cooperation and would continue to do so in whatever investigations,” it added.

The group appealed to all NGOs, associations, politicians, professionals and individuals not appointed by GISBH to end polemics and debates concerning its cases.

Yesterday, an action group called for parents to be allowed to meet GISBH-linked children, who are being kept at welfare centres.

Called Gerakan Pulangkan Anak-Anak Kami (movement for the return of our children or GPAAK), the group also demanded a public inquiry and parliamentary investigation into the police crackdown on GISBH.

GPAKK spokesperson Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said 96 group members, who are the parents of 174 detained children, are seeking the return of the children to their respective families.

Police had rescued the children from various homes belonging to GISBH following allegations of abuse and sexual assault.

Various businesses worth millions

The authorities also raided various local businesses linked to the group. GISBH, which also has business interests abroad, has assets worth RM325 million and an annual revenue of RM187 million.

It operates supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, factories, and restaurants, including outlets in major cities such as London, Paris, and Dubai. It also owns accommodations in Turkey, a hotel in Sarajevo, and a 48ha estate in Perth, Australia.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | From al-Arqam to GISBH

Earlier today, Inspector-General Razarudin Husain said investigations into GISBH are also looking into the possibility that the children were exposed to elements of militant jihad.

GISBH was founded by former government religious teacher Ashaari Mohammad, who is also referred to as Abuya, which is Arabic for father. Ashaari was also the founder of Al Arqam, which was declared deviant in 1994.

Ashaari, who died in 2010, was detained for two years under the Internal Security Act.

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