KUALA LUMPUR – Civil society group the CSO Platform for Reform has called on authorities to refrain from using laws that allow suspects from Global Ikhwan Servis and Business Holdings (GISB) to be detained without trial, urging for strict adherence to the rule of law.
In a statement today, the group stressed that while the allegations of child abuse, sexual exploitation, and deviant teachings involving GISB are alarming, investigations must remain just and fair.
“Although the accusations against GISB are deeply concerning, enforcement agencies are strongly urged to refrain from detaining individuals without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 [Sosma].
“It is reiterated that any investigation must comply with principles of justice and fairness.
“Law enforcement agencies are strongly urged to carry out their investigation thoroughly, ensuring that the rule of law is applied rigorously, without fear or favour,” the statement said.
The CSO Platform for Reform also highlighted that the government’s actions could serve as a vital opportunity to enhance child welfare and protection, particularly as many of the alleged victims are minors.
They pointed out that under the Child Act 2001 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Malaysia is obligated to safeguard children from violence, exploitation, and harm.
In light of these legal obligations, the group urged the government to ensure that victims of GISB receive access to medical, psychological, and social support services to assist in their recovery.
Former Petaling Jaya MP, Maria Chin Abdullah, echoed these concerns yesterday, opposing the police’s suggestion to use Sosma, arguing that the Criminal Procedure Code would suffice for conducting investigations.
She said that the use of draconian legislation such as Sosma is merely a cop-out by the police to prolong investigations.
“The evidence is there as claimed by the police over the last week or so and they have even publicly shown what they have found.
“The case of GISB is of public interest to everyone and all investigations must be through an open trial so that the public knows the truth,” Maria said in a Facebook post yesterday.
She said that the use of draconian legislation such as Sosma would simply allow police to prolong investigations.
On Monday, Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, said authorities would employ all available laws, including Sosma, to investigate GISB, adding that necessary steps must be taken to prevent the group from operating in the future.
GISB made headlines after raids on September 11 at 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by the group led to the rescue of 402 children.
Subsequent screenings revealed that many of the children had sustained physical and emotional injuries, and police investigations later found that 13 of them had been sodomised.
GISB has since denied the allegations. – September 25, 2024