October 3, 2024
PETALING JAYA – Some 108 people linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) have been arrested to date by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais).
Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad explained that the arrests were made due to various offences related to shariah law, including issues of faith, unauthorised charitable collections, and unlawful marriages.
ALSO READ: GISB top management among 24 remanded again in forced labour probe
“The arrests are set to continue as more suspects have been identified through intelligence, complaints, and information received by Jais,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 2).
Shahzihan said that investigations revealed that the suspects adhered to practices and beliefs propagated by the group. Among these were beliefs that contradicted established fatwas.
These beliefs include associating with their leaders to bring blessings and ensure entry into heaven, practising Aurad Muhammadiah teachings and believing their leader, Abuya, was still alive in the unseen world.
Abuya is a title used by followers of the long-banned Al-Arqam to refer to their leader, Ashaari Mohammad. Many members of GISB were formerly part of Al-Arqam.
ALSO READ: GISB ‘money man’ in custody
Shahzihan also added that marriages and divorces within the group were orchestrated by its leaders, with marriage contracts executed according to their methods.
These marriages typically lacked legitimate documentation and were conducted without the approval of the Selangor Registrar of Marriages, Divorces, and Reconciliation of Muslims.
Furthermore, polygamous marriages were performed without the consent of the relevant Shariah Court.
This has confused lineage, the marital status of couples, and the documentation of marriages involving rescued children.
The situation is expected to profoundly impact these children as they grow into teenagers and adults, potentially leading to questions about lineage and the legitimacy of marriages.
Efforts are currently underway to reconcile and document the family trees of the 435 children rescued during Operation Global, ensuring clarity and stability for their futures.