Alleged Child Abuse Case Brings Banned Malaysian Sect Back into the Spotlight, Reports Reuters

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 promoting the Islamic way of life according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. However, the recent rescue of hundreds of children and adolescents from charity homes allegedly operated by GISB has raised serious concerns regarding suspected sexual abuse, reigniting scrutiny over the conglomerate’s connection to a religious sect that was banned by the government approximately thirty years ago.

GISB has acknowledged its historical ties to the religious group Al-Arqam, which was outlawed in 1994, and recognizes its late preacher Ashaari Muhammad as the firm’s founder. Nevertheless, GISB has attempted to distance itself from the sect’s beliefs and practices, which the government considers heretical.

The company has denied operating the homes and refuted all abuse allegations. However, during a recent video message, GISB’s CEO admitted that there were instances of legal violations and mentioned the occurrence of “one or two” sodomy cases at the youth homes.

In 2011, GISB gained notoriety for its controversial views on marriage and sexuality, which included advocacy for polygamy and the establishment of a group encouraging wives to submit to their spouses “like prostitutes.”

The police raids on the charity homes, conducted in two Malaysian states, followed demands from various Islamic leaders for a government investigation into GISB’s operations.

Abu Hafiz Salleh Hudin, an Islamic studies lecturer at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, noted that concerns regarding worker exploitation and misguided teachings at GISB had been reported to Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for over a decade. He cited testimonies from former GISB members who claimed they were overworked and unpaid.

Authorities are also examining other allegations against GISB, including potential money laundering. Plans are underway to investigate religious schools affiliated with the firm, and Jakim intends to report its findings on deviant teachings related to GISB to the cabinet.

Many of the youths rescued were reportedly children of GISB members. Officials indicated that many showed signs of abuse, neglect, and emotional distress, with thirteen confirmed cases of sodomy.

Local residents in Bukit Beruntung, where several youth homes were raided, expressed shock upon hearing the abuse allegations. “If it’s true, then that is really worrying,” stated Mohd Khair Syafie, an imam in the area, located about 50 kilometers outside the capital.

Ashaari Muhammad established the Al-Arqam movement in 1968, initially focusing on religious discussions. In the 1980s, the group garnered tens of thousands of followers but was condemned for what officials deemed deviant teachings. Ashaari claimed to possess supernatural abilities and could defer death.

In the 1990s, Ashaari served two years in prison and passed away in 2010. In 2006, the Malaysian government banned Rufaqa Corp, another entity founded by Ashaari, citing it as an effort to revive Al-Arqam. An official at that time denied any agenda beyond promoting Islam.

In a recent interview, GISB asserted that it was rebranded from Rufaqa Corp and emphasized its compliance with Islamic commercial standards. Munira Mustaffa, executive director of the security consultancy Chasseur Group, commented that GISB’s enterprises seemed to provide a facade of legitimacy for its operations.

"Given that they operate in a country where scrutiny is expected, GISB has been cautious to present itself as a legitimate business entity," Munira noted. "However, they also fit the profile of other isolationist communities or cults."