KUALA LUMPUR – PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has cautioned against authorities appearing to jump the gun on probing Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) by immediately portraying individuals behind this controversial business group as guilty before a court decision is made.
On Facebook, Tuan Ibrahim shared his conversation with PAS’ overseas club on the ongoing investigation against GISBH, where he said that the public discourse appears to indicate that those under investigation have been found guilty.
The Kubang Kerian MP said that the public must allow a full investigation to be carried out by police, investigation agencies and religious authorities until the courts make their decisions.
He also cautioned the public against making premature decisions before the court deliver their judgments on the cases.
“Apart from the judge, all other parties including the investigators do not have the authority in deciding whether a party is guilty or not.
“The culture of passing the punishment before a court’s decision clearly contravenes the separation of powers (doctrine) that has been the basis of our country.
“Plus, it is even more unfortunate if those who are conducting the investigations immediately deem (the group) guilty, and appear to be pressuring the courts to be in line with their “decisions”.
“After all, the duty of the investigators is merely to search and present the evidence to be placed under consideration in court trials,” he said in his social media posting.
The PAS leader said that courts are where the public relies in seeking their rights and justice, and this is not just limited to the GISBH case.
He reiterated that the “culture” of investigators “rushing to make decisions” must be stopped to uphold justice and strengthen the principles of the separation of powers in the country.
“Let the courts decide on appropriate actions based on the existing provisions under the laws,” he added.
Tuan Ibrahim’s statement on the ongoing investigation in GISBH appears to echo an earlier statement issued by the party’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, where the latter said that the group should be protected from actions potentially driven by impulsive sentiments, prejudice, business rivalry, or certain political agendas seeking to exploit the situation.
While not ruling out stern measures against those proven guilty, Takiyuddin said that the eagerness to punish must not negatively impact the group as a whole, including innocent members or lawful, beneficial aspects of GISBH’s operations.
He also said that the positive aspects of GISBH, including its extensive business network, should be shielded from rash and unfair actions.
Police launched Op Global on September 11, targeting 20 charity homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan linked to GISBH, amid allegations of child exploitation and deviant religious teachings.
Since then, over 300 individuals, including senior management at GISBH, have been arrested, while 592 child victims rescued. Additionally, business premises owned by the group have also been shut down following police raids.
However, government agencies have come under fire, notably the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for being slow and weak in acting against GISBH, which led to an academic calling for Jakim to be overhauled. – September 30, 2024