In a significant development in Malaysia's ongoing investigation into alleged child abuse, authorities have apprehended Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, the chief executive of Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings, along with 18 other individuals. The arrests, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, are part of a widening police operation targeting an Islamic conglomerate accused of misconduct in charity homes.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed that the early morning raid on September 19, 2024, involved four residential premises in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, five people connected to the company were detained at the Thailand border.
The case has drawn attention to Malaysia's dual legal system, where Sharia courts operate alongside secular courts. This system reflects the country's status as a federal constitutional monarchy with Islam as the official religion, practiced by about 61.3% of its 32 million population.
The investigation centers around allegations of widespread abuse in youth care homes reportedly run by GISB. Approximately five days prior to the arrests, police rescued over 400 children and youths from these facilities. Officials reported that many of the rescued individuals showed signs of neglect, as well as physical and sexual abuse.
GISB, which operates businesses in more than 20 countries, has denied managing the shelters. On September 13, 2024, Nasiruddin refuted claims of widespread abuse, though he acknowledged "one or two" cases of sodomy had occurred.
The case has also revealed connections to the Al-Arqam religious sect, which was banned by the Malaysian government in 1994 for allegedly spreading deviant Islamic teachings. Several of those arrested include children of the late Ashaari Mohamed, the founder of Al-Arqam.
"We deny allegations of widespread abuse at the youth care homes and other misconduct, though we acknowledge that one or two cases of sodomy occurred."
In addition to the arrests, three men were charged in court with sexually assaulting boys at a religious school in Negeri Sembilan state. They pleaded not guilty to charges that carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, caning, or both.
The investigation into GISB extends beyond child abuse allegations, encompassing potential money laundering, religious offenses, and other crimes. This case has brought attention to Malaysia's Child Act 2001, which criminalizes child abuse and sets the age of majority at 18.
As the probe continues, it highlights the challenges faced by Malaysia, a country known for its diverse culture influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions. The case also underscores the complexities of addressing religious and social issues in a rapidly developing nation that has come a long way since gaining independence from British rule in 1957.