The head of Malaysian conglomerate GISB Holdings denied most allegations of abuse and misconduct at charity homes run by the company but admitted to “one or two” cases of sodomy. 402 children were rescued by police after health screenings revealed injuries consistent with physical and sexual abuse, with 13 cases of sodomy reported. Nasiruddin Ali, CEO of GISB, admitted to breaking some unspecified laws but denied the accusations of widespread abuse and exploitation at the homes.
In a video posted on GISB’s official Facebook page, Nasiruddin expressed frustration with the authorities for not engaging in discussions or providing advice before taking action. He called the allegations of children being sodomised and taught to sodomise others “disgusting” but admitted to isolated cases of sodomy at the shelters. Despite denying many of the allegations, GISB acknowledged its association with Al-Arqam, a banned religious sect, and described itself as an Islamic conglomerate based on Muslim principles.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department announced plans to bring a report on suspected deviant teachings involving GISB to the Cabinet, the national religious affairs council, and the conference of rulers, which includes the country’s nine royal rulers who act as custodians of Islam in Malaysia. GISB’s accounts have been frozen, and assets seized by authorities, leading the firm to hire lawyers to defend itself in court. Police have detained 159 individuals for further investigations, and the probe into GISB may be expanded to include financial offences.
The contentious issue of abuse and misconduct at charity homes run by GISB Holdings has sparked public outrage and concern in Malaysia. While the company denies most of the allegations, the admission of isolated cases of sodomy at the shelters is troubling. The involvement of a banned religious sect and the freezing of accounts and seizure of assets by authorities add another layer of complexity to the situation. The government’s response, including the involvement of religious authorities and royal rulers, indicates the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.
The rescue of 402 children from the charity homes and the subsequent allegations of abuse highlight the vulnerability of young individuals in such institutions. The role of religious organizations and conglomerates in providing care and support for children and youths must be scrutinized to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. The legal implications of the case, including potential financial offences and the hiring of lawyers to defend GISB in court, signal a long and complex legal process ahead for the company.
As the investigation into GISB Holdings continues, the full extent of the alleged abuse and exploitation at the charity homes will hopefully come to light. The involvement of the Malaysian government, religious authorities, and royal rulers underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive response. The protection of children and youths in such institutions is paramount, and swift action must be taken to address any wrongdoing and ensure justice for the victims.
