KUALA LUMPUR – The issue involving the Global Ikhwan Services & Holdings (GISB) group, particularly the exploitation and sexual abuse of children, was addressed in Friday sermons across Selangor today, with growing concern for the plight of the children involved.
According to the sermon, the abuse and neglect allegedly happening at GISB are deeply troubling, especially since children have rights that must be respected and protected.
“They have the right to live in a safe and peaceful environment, far from vile crimes such as molestation, sodomy, abuse, forced marriages and divorces, child labour, being separated from their parents, or even being coerced into claiming orphan status.
“It is unacceptable that GISB is failing to care for these children properly and instead is oppressing them by denying them access to mainstream education, which isolates them from the outside world,” read the sermon text issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), titled ‘Why is GISB Doing This to Children?’
The sermon also highlighted the serious violations of Islamic faith practices that are suspected to have occurred at several GISB premises.
“All these criminal acts and faith-related violations tarnish the good name and sanctity of Islam. Such actions could lead to the loss of faith (akidah) and invalidate the shahadah of a Muslim,” it continued.
Furthermore, the script pointed out that the group is suspected of exploiting the physical labour of children for their own interests.
“In the end, many of these children may become heirs and supporters of GISB’s misguided faith practices and worldly ambitions.
“In other words, the children are being turned into slaves for the leaders of the group,” the sermon warned.
The text also expressed dismay that many of the charity homes under GISB, currently under investigation, have been operating for some time in several states, including Selangor.
Moreover, these charity homes are not legally registered, raising questions about how such activities were allowed to continue.
The issue has caught the attention of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who has decreed that all unregistered charity homes and Islamic schools under GISB and its affiliates suspected of criminal activities, including syariah violations, be immediately shut down.
As a result, parents and guardians, including charity homes, are urged to take responsibility for shaping a better future for their children, the sermon noted.
“They are also responsible for ensuring that the children live in a safe and nurturing environment at all times,” it added. – September 27, 2024.