Alleged Child Abuse Case Reignites Controversy Surrounding Banned Malaysian Sect

By Rozanna Latiff, Danial Azhar, and Hasnoor Hussain

KUALA LUMPUR – Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) presents itself as a Malaysian conglomerate committed to implementing the Islamic way of life based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. However, the recent rescue of hundreds of children and youths from charity homes linked to GISB has reignited concerns regarding the company’s connections to a religious sect that was banned by the government three decades ago.

GISB acknowledges its affiliation with the Al-Arqam sect, which was prohibited in 1994, and recognizes the sect’s late preacher, Ashaari Muhammad, as its founder. Despite this, GISB has largely distanced itself from the group’s controversial beliefs, which the government deems heretical.

The company claims it does not operate the charity homes and has denied any allegations of abuse. Nevertheless, in a video message, GISB’s chief executive admitted that the organization had violated certain laws and acknowledged that there were “one or two” cases of sodomy among the youth in these homes.

In 2011, GISB attracted attention for its contentious views on sexuality and marriage, which included promoting polygamous relationships and founding the Obedient Wives’ Club—an initiative that encouraged wives to submit to their husbands in an unduly submissive manner.

Police conducted raids on the charity homes following calls from several Islamic leaders for an investigation into GISB’s operations. Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin, a lecturer at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, noted that complaints regarding worker exploitation and deviant teachings at GISB had been reported to Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for over a decade.

Reliable sources indicated that former members of GISB reported being exploited and inadequately compensated for their labor, while holding on to Al-Arqam’s teachings. Law enforcement is investigating further allegations, including money laundering, and is set to scrutinize religious schools operated by GISB. Jakim also plans to submit a report to the cabinet regarding deviant teachings associated with the firm.

The majority of the youths rescued were reportedly children of GISB members, many of whom displayed signs of abuse and emotional trauma, including 13 who had been sodomized.

Residents in Bukit Beruntung, where several youth homes were raided, expressed their shock at the allegations of abuse. “If it’s true, then that is really worrying,” stated Mohd Khair Syafie, the imam of a local prayer hall located about 50 kilometers from the capital.

Ashaari Muhammad established the Al-Arqam movement in 1968, initially focusing on religious discussions. By the 1980s, the group, which garnered tens of thousands of followers, was condemned by Malaysian religious authorities for what they deemed deviant teachings. Ashaari, who claimed to possess supernatural abilities and could postpone death, had five wives and 37 children and served two years in prison in the 1990s before passing away in 2010.

In 2006, the Malaysian government outlawed Rufaqa Corp, another entity founded by Ashaari, which was seen as an attempt to revive Al-Arqam. A representative for Rufaqa denied any ulterior motives beyond promoting Islam and conducting business.

In a recent interview, GISB described itself as a rebranded entity from Rufaqa Corp, emphasizing compliance with Islamic principles as a commercial enterprise.

Munira Mustaffa, the executive director of security consultancy Chasseur Group, commented that GISB positions its businesses in a way that allows the organization to “hide under the veil of legitimacy.”

“Living in a society where they know they are being observed, GISB has carefully crafted an image of entrepreneurial legitimacy,” she remarked. “However, they follow a similar pattern to other cult-like communities.”