KUALA LUMPUR – The positive aspects of Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISB), including its extensive business network, should be shielded from rash and unfair actions, said PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
According to Takiyuddin, the group should be protected from actions potentially driven by impulsive sentiments, prejudice, business rivalry, or certain political agendas seeking to exploit the situation.
While not ruling out stern measures against those proven guilty, Takiyuddin said that the eagerness to punish must not negatively impact the group as a whole, including innocent members or lawful, beneficial aspects of GISB’s operations.
“PAS welcomes transparent, detailed, and professional investigations into various allegations against GISB, in line with appropriate laws, whether related to religious beliefs, business practices, sexual misconduct, abuse, criminal activities, or other issues.
“However, given the negative campaigns and narratives associated with the group, particularly those circulating widely on social media, which demand swift and firm action, PAS urges that all steps be carried out with caution and precision.
“This is to ensure that rights are not overlooked, justice is upheld, and that there is no excessive or discriminatory action,” he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Police detained 155 GISB followers, comprising 78 men and 77 women, in the fourth phase of Operation Global (Op Global) across Peninsular Malaysia.
During the same operation, 186 victims were rescued, including 102 men and 85 women, among them children, following a viral video on social media showing a male GISB member caning individuals.
On Friday, the Perlis State Fatwa Committee Special Meeting declared that the beliefs and teachings of GISBH contained elements of heresy, particularly regarding esoteric doctrines.
Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin stated that these teachings were a continuation of the Al-Arqam movement, which had been previously declared heretical.
Takiyuddin also said that PAS is closely monitoring the ongoing investigations into GISB, including issues of deviant teaching and child exploitation, involving agencies such as the police, Health Ministry, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), the Welfare Department, the National Registration Department, and state religious authorities. – September 22, 2024