KUALA LUMPUR: No concrete links between government officers, political leaders and with Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) have been found at this time, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said that the involvement of government officials or politicians has not been substantiated by solid evidence thus far.
“There are no concrete findings linking government officers or political leaders with GISB currently, but we’re keeping all possibilities open as the investigation is ongoing,” he said in response to Lim Lip Eng (Pakatan-Kepong) on Thursday (Oct 17).
Addressing another query from Lim, Saifuddin mentioned that there was no necessity for establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).
“The police need space and trust to continue their ongoing efforts to locate the remaining members of this group,” he added.
Saifuddin then said that the authorities are now investigating GISB’s international activities, collaborating with foreign counterparts through mutual legal assistance and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, supported by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Bukit Aman has identified 23 GISB assets abroad, with the company extending its reach to 20 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, China, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The country was stunned on Sept 12 by police raids and rescues of hundreds of children from homes associated with GISB, with reports of abuse, exploitation, and sexual assault emerging.
GISB’s executive chairman and CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali was arrested along with others, and some have been charged in court.
Additionally, around 50 members are detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 for anti-terrorism probes, although the minister clarified that they had gone astray in their faith rather than being terrorists.
Over 500 children are currently in the care of the Welfare Department. Islamic authorities in Perlis, Pahang, Selangor, and Melaka have labelled GISB as a deviant group.
Investigations continue into possible connections between GISB and Al-Arqam, a Muslim group outlawed in 1994 for its deviant teachings.
Despite GISB being founded by Ashaari Muhammad, also the founder of Al-Arqam, senior GISB leaders have denied any affiliation with the banned group.
