Group linked to Malaysian child sex-abuse cases labelled deviant sect by Perlis

PETALING JAYA - Perlis has become the first state to declare the Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISB) as a deviant sect.

In a statement, the Perlis Fatwa State Committee said evidence has proved that GISB propagated deviant teachings and is a continuation of Al-Arqam, a religious sect banned by the Malaysian government in 1994.

The committee added that GISB’s economic model runs contrary to Islamic teachings, which do not allow the exploitation and slavery of children and women.

“The beliefs of the GISB community, which idolises their leaders and religious figures, have crossed the limits to equating them with prophethood, possessing the ability to perform miracles and knowing the unseen as though they were God,” the committee said, adding that GISB’s beliefs have strayed from Islamic teachings.

“The idolisation of leaders has fostered loyalty to these figures even when it goes against the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet.”

The committee said GISB followers blindly follow their leaders’ instructions, even when they run contrary to Islamic teachings.

In addition, GISB followers also take blessings from their leaders and justify their actions with excuses.

The committee also noted that GISB followers believe their dead leaders are still alive to guide them and have created new laws on marriage and prayers contrary to Islamic teachings.

“We urge the Muslim community to assist GISB followers in rehabilitating themselves. Zakat can be used for their rehabilitation to provide education, rebuild lives, offer protection and cover legal fees to help them free themselves from GISB,” said the Perlis Fatwa State Committee.

GISB has been in the news after its charity houses were raided and 402 children were rescued amid

allegations of sexual abuse and grooming.

To date, police have arrested many GISB leaders and followers, with some already charged in court.

With 25 subsidiaries and associated companies, GISB has a presence across 20 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The company operates various businesses, including retail marts, catering, poultry, event management, consultancy services and tours.

There are also restaurants in London, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai and Mecca under its banner.

Within the company, there are 51 departments based in seven sectors, which include education, communications, finance, agriculture, manufacturing and sports.

GISB leaders have denied being a deviant sect, although they admit that a couple of sexual abuse cases did occur in their community. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK