PUTRAJAYA: The controversial Obedient Wives Club (OWC) is trying to revive the outlawed Al-Arqam movement, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

He said investigations by Islamic religious authorities showed that some of the club's activities had Al-Arqam's traits.

“We are monitoring them and gathering evidence so when action is taken against them, it will be a worthwhile effort. Don't think that we are not,” he said after launching the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council's guidebook on the application process for its financial assistance schemes.

Jamil Khir said he believed those attempting to revive Al-Arqam were aware that the authorities were monitoring them. “That is why they are behind a non-governmental organisation like the OWC.

“Otherwise, how did documents that can be related to Al-Arqam make their way to the forum (in Perak) last week?” he asked.

OWC is formed by Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, an organisation founded by former members of Al-Arqam last year and since then, most of its activities have sparked controversy.

Its latest headline-grabbing activity is the on-going Rasulullah Tokoh Seks Suci Islam campaign-cum-forum organised in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

OWC president Fuziah Ariffin denied that members were using the club as a platform to revive Al-Arqam.

“Al-Arqam once had 10,000 members. But after it was disbanded, most of us went our own way.

“Some of them formed nasyid bands like Rabbani and Hijjaz. Some dabbled in business.

“The authorities may have drawn the conclusion that there are attempts to revive Al-Arqam based on photographs of Abuya (the late Al-Arqam sect leader Ashaari Muhammad) found in certain business premises of former followers,” she said.

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