KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed his unwavering stance regarding the controversy surrounding Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB).
"When it comes to taking action against corruption and addressing issues related to GISB, we must uphold our values and morals, even if it faces opposition, including from those who speak out against it. This is our challenge.
"As of now, I am resolute; I will not yield. If I have to compromise on these principles, there is no point in my being Prime Minister," he said while chairing the Forum Ilmuan Madani, titled "Peralihan Tenaga untuk Kesejahteraan Masa Depan Negara", today.
The forum featured a panel that included Tenaga Nasional Berhad chairman Tan Sri Abdul Razak Abdul Majid, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Economist Professor Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Yesterday, Anwar said serious and coordinated action between the Jakim and enforcement agencies was important to combat all forms of deviant teachings and ideologies.
GISB business practices were influenced by the teachings of a version of Aurad Muhammadiyah, which the group continues to practise, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
He said that the members were excessively devoted ("taksub") and idolised the company's leadership to the extent of distorting the true teachings of Islam.
Nearly 40 members of GISB are set to be rearrested today under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) following the expiration of their remand.
On Sept 11, police in Op Global raided welfare homes allegedly operated by GISB which led to 402 children being rescued.
GISB has since denied the allegations.