KLANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim joined 1,000 congregants for Friday prayers at Masjid Sultan Abdul Aziz Pulau Indah here today (Sept 27).
Before prayers started, Anwar and the congregants listened to a sermon, which was read by the mosque's imam Mohd Asyraf As'ad Zainuddin, titled "Why did GISB (Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Bhd) do such things to children".
According to the sermon, children are an "amanah" (trust) from Allah and their welfare and honour must be preserved.
It stated that the parents as well as chaperones, including welfare homes, are responsible for preparing a good future for the children, therefore abuses and negligence upon children that were suspected of having been committed (by GISB) were truly saddening.
It also stated that Islam requires its adherents, including GISB, to provide sufficient care and fulfil the rights of their children.
"Provide their basic needs such as clothing, food, drink, shelter, protection and safety.
"Preserve their dignity and nobility. Be attentive and shower them with love and affection.
"Do not commit any form of aggression and oppression upon them, for Islam prohibits these."
On Sept 11, police rescued 402 children from 20 homes connected to GISB during raids in multiple states, which led to the arrest of 171 people.
It was reported that GISB has been on the police watch list since 2011 and the coordinated raids were the culmination of a six-month investigation aimed at gathering intelligence, building a case and developing an action plan.
Police had been monitoring the company long before the recent allegations of child exploitation and abuse went viral.
It was reported the victims had endured various forms of exploitation and abuse.
GISB has since denied the allegations and any link to the case.
Earlier, Anwar attended the groundbreaking ceremony of Westports 2's container terminal expansion and a town hall session with Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd employees.