MALAYSIA Abuse scandal in Ashaari Muhammad’s Islamic sect

Malaysia is rocked by an investigation into child sex crimes in around 20 homes run by a company linked to the late preacher whose movement was outlawed by Mahathir in 1994. The founder’s son and the managing director of the group, which has a presence in 20 countries and also operates in London, Paris, Dubai and Mecca, have also been arrested.

Kuala Lumpur () – In recent days, Malaysian media have given extensive coverage to the investigation into the sexual abuse of boys and girls that took place in children’s homes run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), a conglomerate linked to Al-Arqam, an Islamic sect founded by the late preacher Ashaari Muhammad, which was banned in Malaysia in 1994 by then Prime Minister Mahathir.

According to Inspector General of Police Razarudin Husin, police rescued 402 children from sexual exploitation and violence in 20 homes in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. The case horrified Malaysians, including the King, who called for a thorough investigation and swift action to arrest those responsible for the alleged crimes.

The victims, aged between one and 17, were allegedly exploited by caregivers and subjected to various forms of sexual abuse, with homosexual practices being encouraged even among the boys themselves. Police investigations also revealed that sick children were not allowed to receive medical treatment until they were in a critical condition. “The victims were allegedly punished with hot metal objects and touched inappropriately under the pretext of religious medical treatment,” Razarudin said.

During the operation, 171 people were arrested, including an ustaz (religious guide) and a hostel director. Razarudin Husain said that the results of medical examinations of the 392 children rescued by the police showed signs of physical and emotional abuse among the victims. In the past few hours, members of the GISBH’s top management have also been arrested, including director general Nasiruddin Ali, his wife and two children, as well as the son of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad.

During the early stages of the investigation, GISBH had denied running the homes raided and rejected allegations that children in its care had been raped or forced to sexually assault others.

On Saturday, however, Nasiruddin admitted that there had been some cases of sexual abuse within the organisation in the past, but denied allegations that GISBH imparted deviant teachings to children and adolescents in its foster homes.

According to GISBH’s corporate profile, the company, initially known as Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, has undergone several name changes over the years. Following Ashaari’s death in 2010, it was run by two of its former CEOs, Hatijah Aam (Ashaari’s widow) and Mohd Rasidi Abdullah.

According to its corporate profile, the company employs 5,356 people, of which 1,698 are adults and 3,658 are young people. With 25 subsidiaries and associated companies, it is present in 20 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The company carries out a wide range of activities, including retail outlets, catering, poultry farming, event management, consultancy services and travel. It also operates restaurants in London, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai and Mecca.