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Study on GISB presented to Jakim some time ago, but no action taken: Perlis Mufti

KUALA LUMPUR:  The issue concerning GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) has been presented to various parties, including the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and enforcement agencies, but no action was taken, said Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

Popularly known as Dr Maza, he said the GISB issue was raised when a group conducted a study and presented it to several parties, but no action was taken.

He suggested that the lack of action might be due to several factors, including some parties being unwilling to take risks or individuals lacking the resolve to get to the bottom of the issue.

"There may be some beliefs associated with this group (GISB) held by the individuals involved, or there could be other reasons," he said in a video post from his weekly lectures at Masjid Alwi, Kangar, yesterday.

Dr Maza explained that the group conducting the study took steps to present the case to the Perlis Fatwa Committee.

He said this in response to questions from reporters about how Perlis initiated the issue, which has now become a story of national concern.

Additionally, Dr Maza revealed that he had sent a letter to the leader of GISB, requesting a meeting.

He also noted that the leader of the company had agreed to attend the meeting.

"Today (yesterday), we sent a letter to their leader to come to Perlis on the 20th of this month.

"They have agreed to attend," he said.

GISB is currently embroiled in controversy after police raided 20 homes linked to the company, rescuing 402 children.

The company has since denied the allegations and threatened legal action against those who defame the company.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said during the operations on Wednesday, a total of 159 suspects were arrested, comprising 39 men and 120 women.

Meanwhile, Jakim claimed that it was not responsible for law enforcement involving GISB.

Jakim's Religious Service Personnel Association (PKPU) president, Colonel Datuk Mohd Ajib Ismail, said that Jakim, as a federal religious agency under the Prime Minister's Department, coordinates Islamic affairs but has no enforcement powers.

He was responding to statements by academic Dr Abu Hafiz Salleh Huddin, which he said "caused confusion and fostered negative perceptions" about Jakim's role.

"The statement has misrepresented Jakim's role and function. PKPU feels it necessary to clarify that these views are inaccurate and do not reflect Jakim's true responsibilities," he said in a statement.

Mohd Ajib added that Jakim operates under the mandate of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) and reports to the Cabinet.

"Although not an enforcement body, Jakim collaborates with agencies such as the police and state religious authorities to ensure legal compliance in Islamic matters," he added.

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