KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s priority is to reunite the children formerly raised within the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) ecosystem with their families, even as the former are undergoing rehabilitation, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said this is to ensure the children will be able to integrate well into society.
“Taking into account the long-term trauma faced by the children, among the actions taken by the government is the rehabilitation model which comprises faith-related rehabilitation, counselling, and patriotism and skills education.
“We fully support the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s decision in making it a priority to return the children to their parents and family.
“We hope the approach and commitment from various parties will ensure the children are not left out and are able to rejoin the community,” he told the Dewan Rakyat here yesterday.
He was replying to a supplementary question by Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar), who had asked about long-term measures to address the trauma faced by the children linked to GISB.
Mohd Na’im said other measures included monitoring the children’s development from time to time, in collaboration with the Welfare Department.
“The involvement of the community and non-government organisations is needed to ensure social support is there for the children,” he added.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri had earlier said that as of Oct 24, 55 children linked to GISB have been returned to their verified guardians.
Currently, 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – are being housed in shelters after the Welfare Department secured a temporary custody order from the court for two months under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
Since Ops Global Phase 1 in early September, 415 people, including the top management of GISB, have been arrested, and 625 victims aged between two months and 28 years have been rescued by the police.
In a reply to Zakri’s main question on the steps taken by the government to address the GISB issue, which resurfaced after a long time, Mohd Na’im said the issue must be clarified and widely disseminated to the public.
He added that a clear understanding would enable the public to serve as a support system for GISB members seeking to free themselves from the grip of the group’s ideology.
“This will be achieved through the cultivation of knowledge and comprehensive and effective education, in collaboration with state Islamic councils and Islamic religious departments, and other related agencies,” he said.
The government has launched a voluntary rehabilitation programme for all GISB members, in collaboration with the National Security Council, Jakim, and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS).
Relevant agencies initiated a pilot project on Nov 7 involving 11 GISB members at MAIS rehabilitation centres, using the MAIS Istitabah module.
“This encompasses faith rehabilitation, national awareness, education, and life skills training,” he added.
Meanwhile, a joint committee between Jakim and the police is currently identifying business entities linked to GISB’s assets, whether here or abroad, with Mohd Na’im saying authorities are also seeking more information on individuals or groups linked to the company.
“On the statistics of GISB-linked companies based abroad, we will cooperate with the police. (The police) will provide the figures and details on the number of local companies and international-based companies owned by GISB.
“The committee formed by the police, Jakim and the Welfare Department will also identify the number of GISB followers in the country and overseas,” he replied to a supplementary question by Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who had requested the latest statistics on GISB followers and companies linked to the group.
On Nov 16, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police had identified 69 premises spread across 15 countries worth about RM52.4mil belonging to GISB.
