PETALING JAYA: Another civil society group - G25 - has backed the Malaysian Bar's call to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe the allegations of inhumane treatment of children linked to shelter homes run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings’ (GISB).
The group said that an RCI will not only assist in the investigations but also promote accountability and reforms to improve how such cases are handled in the future and avoid delays in solving them.
"We, G25, once again call on the government to look into the administration of Islam in our country at a deeper level. Delays in execution and action just because of religious sensitivities leave room for neglect at the expense of the innocent," said the group of influential former senior civil servants in a statement on Monday (Sept 23).
On Sept 19, The Malaysian Bar urged the government to consider a (RCI) to investigate the alleged child exploitation associated with charity homes operated by Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holding (GISB).
G25 pointed out that on Sept 11, police conducted a raid that resulted in the rescue of 402 children from 20 homes associated with GISB, leading to 171 arrests at the time.
"The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain reported that the victims, all local children, some found to be children of the members of GISB, suffered various forms of exploitation and abuse.
"So, we must ask, if the police were already involved in Feb 2019, why were the closing of the GISB welfare homes and removal of the children not done sooner?" asked G25.
G25 said that the impact of these incidents on the affected children is profound and long-lasting.
"The trauma they have experienced can severely affect their emotional and psychological development, potentially hindering their ability to lead fulfilling lives.
"It is imperative that we not only seek immediate justice but also ensure long-term support and rehabilitation for these children," noted the statement.
G25 also said that the leadership and management of GISB must be held responsible for failing to provide a safe environment for these children, alongside the regulatory bodies that neglected their duty to protect these vulnerable individuals.
The group also welcomed the remarks by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on Sept 22, who shared disappointment and called out the delays in action against GISB.
"His Royal Highness also urged all religious enforcement agencies and the police to always carry out their investigations with transparency, integrity, and trust, in line with the responsibilities vested in them.
"We are glad that our religious leaders are speaking up on this issue, with the Perlis Fatwa Committee issuing a fatwa banning GISB as a deviant group on Sept 20.
"We hope our other religious leaders will also speak out on this matter and join the call to deter ongoing support for such organizations and safeguard our children and people from further harm.
"It is crucial that those responsible face justice to protect the rights of those affected. We must act decisively to prevent future incidents and restore public trust in the systems designed to protect our people," said G25.
