MP: Did powerful links allow GISBH violations to go undetected?


Published: Oct 17, 2024 4:59 PM


DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng is puzzled how Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) managed to operate around the globe for years without its wrongdoings being detected.

The Kepong MP asked Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail if there were political leaders or government officers involved.

In a written reply, Saifuddin said police investigations so far have failed to establish such a link.

“There is no ‘concrete evidence’ of politicians and government officers collaborating with GISBH. But we're keeping all possibilities open as the investigation is ongoing," he added.

To another question from Lim, the minister said the government does not plan on forming a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into GISBH.

Saifuddin disclosed that the authorities are working with their foreign counterparts through mutual legal assistance and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, supported by the Attorney-General's Chambers, to look into GISBH’s international activities.


GISBH assets

GISBH reportedly has assets worth RM325 million and an annual revenue of RM187 million.

It also operates supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, factories, and restaurants, including outlets in major cities such as London, Paris, and Dubai. It also owns accommodations in Turkey, a hotel in Sarajevo, and a 48ha estate in Perth, Australia.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | From al-Arqam to GISBH

GISBH was founded by former government religious teacher Ashaari Mohammad, who is also referred to as Abuya, which is Arabic for father. Ashaari was also the founder of Al Arqam, which was declared deviant in 1994.

Previously, Suhakam, the Bar Council and G25 had called on the government to set up an RCI into the alleged human rights violations, including mistreatment, exploitation, and abuse of children in GISBH-run welfare homes.

“The GISBH case exposes significant lapses in oversight and governance, with the alleged abuses reportedly going unnoticed for over 10 years.

“Suhakam stresses that the inquiry should prioritise identifying institutional weaknesses that allowed such violations to persist unchecked,” said the human rights commission.