Selangor Sultan disappointed over slow action against GISB

PETALING JAYA: It is disappointing and regretful that no effective action has been taken against Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) to date, says Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

“We must accept the fact that the delay in handling this issue showed the weaknesses on aspects of monitoring and enforcement of the laws by religious organisations against charity homes and religious schools linked to GISB.

“The organisation’s network is so vast that this issue has become so serious and out of control,” the Sultan of Selangor said in a statement from the Selangor Royal Office yesterday.

“I wish to remind all quarters once again, especially religious enforcement, to take this issue on GISB seriously where it involves children and deviant teachings practised by them,” said His Majesty.

The state Ruler also called for immediate and firm action without compromise under the laws on any parties who are involved in criminal activities using children and practices which are contrary to the creed (akidah) to safeguard the sanctity of Islam.

“I do not want us to be empty vessels who are only good at talking but no results as we need to adhere to the principles of walking the talk or putting words into action,” the Sultan of Selangor said.

His Majesty also urged all religious enforcement agencies and police to carry out investigations transparently and always with integrity and trust in line with the responsibility vested in them.

Sultan Sharafuddin also ordered the immediate closure of all unregistered welfare homes and Islamic schools in Selangor, operated by GISB and its network, suspected of involvement in any criminal activities, as a preventive measure to safeguard children from exploitation.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that the Selangor Islamic Religious Department will present a comprehensive report on the GISB matter to the chairman of the state’s Islamic Religion and Cultural Innovation Committee Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah next week.

Mohammad Fahmi said the report will outline the actions taken and planned, in accordance with the decree issued by Sultan Sharafuddin.