Set up RCI on alleged child abuse at GISBH welfare homes

 

 We the members of G25 wholeheartedly support the call from the Malaysian Bar for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be set up as soon as possible to investigate the alarming allegations of children inhumanely treated in the Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISBH) welfare homes and their teachings.

An RCI will not only assist in the investigations but also promote accountability and reforms that will improve how such matters are handled in the future to avoid the delays we have seen in this case.

On Sept 11, police conducted a raid that resulted in the rescue of 402 children from 20 homes associated with GISBH, leading to 171 arrests at the time.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain reported that the victims, all local children, some found to be children of the members of GISBH, suffered various forms of exploitation and abuse.

Since then, more arrests have been made, bank accounts have been frozen, and religious authorities have been called into action.

Shocking inaction

In his lecture on Sept 12 at Masjid Alwi in Kangar, Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin spoke about GISBH. He said that this issue had been presented to various parties, including the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and enforcement agencies.

But, because no action had been taken, the group conducting the study brought the case to the Perlis Fatwa Committee.

According to a report published in the New Straits Times on Sept 14, Jakim’s director-general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said that action against GISBH began in February 2019 and included 12 meetings, workshops, special task forces, and collaborations with national security agencies such as the National Security Council, Home Ministry, and the police.

So, we must ask, if the police were already involved in February 2019, why was the closing of the GISBH welfare homes and the removal of the children not done sooner?

We are shocked that it has been over five years since issues surrounding GISBH have been known to the authorities without any move to shut them down while investigating.

This raises serious questions about the systemic failures in our enforcement agencies that allowed for such abuses to persist and highlights a troubling delay in the execution and administration of justice in our country, especially with regard to the administration of religion.

Long-lasting, profound impact

We, G25, once again call on the government to look into the administration of Islam in our country at a deeper level. Delays in execution and action just because of religious sensitivities leave room for neglect at the expense of the innocent.

The impact of these incidents on the affected children is profound and long-lasting. The trauma they have experienced can severely affect their emotional and psychological development, potentially hindering their ability to lead fulfilling lives.

It is imperative that we not only seek immediate justice but also ensure long-term support and rehabilitation for these children.

The leadership and management of GISBH must be held responsible for failing to provide a safe environment for these children, alongside the regulatory bodies that neglected their duty to protect these vulnerable individuals.

Royal rebuke

We are heartened by the statement released on Sept 21 by Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who shared his disappointment and called out the delays in action against GISBH and stated that immediate and firm action without compromise under the law must be taken against any party involved in criminal activities involving children and practices contrary to the creed (akidah) to safeguard the sanctity of Islam.

His Royal Highness also urged all religious enforcement agencies and the police to always carry out their investigations with transparency, integrity, and trust, in line with the responsibilities vested in them.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah

We are glad that our religious leaders are speaking up on this issue, with the Perlis Fatwa Committee issuing a fatwa banning GISBH as a deviant group on Sept 20.

Terengganu mufti Mohamad Sabri Harun has also spoken up on GISBH, where he was quoted as saying that despite the absence of reports in Terengganu, the GISBH movement is being taken seriously, and cooperation from all parties is essential in addressing the issue.

We hope our other religious leaders will also speak out on this matter and join the call to deter ongoing support for such organisations and safeguard our children and people from further harm.

It is crucial that those responsible face justice to protect the rights of those affected. We must act decisively to prevent future incidents and restore public trust in the systems designed to protect our people.

Together, let us advocate for justice and the safeguarding of our children’s rights. This should begin with the immediate setting up of the RCI for this case.

Inaction or delayed action on this matter would also serve to tarnish our image internationally. - Mkini

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G25 is an NGO of individuals, rich with experience in various fields with diverse views but a common goal and common vision.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.