KUALA LUMPUR: No party involved in the investigation into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) will be able to hide behind religion or race if found guilty of child abuse or exploitation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the case must be handled decisively, regardless of the status of those implicated, Buletin Utama reported.
He said the actions of the organisation's members cannot be allowed to continue unchecked, as they involve the mistreatment and violation of individual rights.
"Do not use race, do not use religion. If you are oppressive, break the law, or abuse and mistreat children, you are in the wrong.
"If you fail to look after the welfare of your workers, I will remain firm.
"We will take action regardless of who is involved.
"Only then can we safeguard this country," he said during a meet-and-greet with longhouse community leaders in Kapit, Sarawak.
On Sept 27, Anwar reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a transparent police investigation into GISBH.
He also called on GISBH members and supporters, both locally and internationally, who are not under investigation, to cooperate with the authorities.
Earlier this month, police launched a major crackdown on welfare homes run by GISBH, rescuing 402 children, aged between one and 17, from alleged exploitation and abuse.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain reported that the victims had suffered various forms of abuse, including sodomy. Initial investigations also revealed that some caretakers had taught children to engage in these abusive acts with one another.
GISBH has denied the allegations and threatened legal action against those who defame the company.
However, key individuals, including the organisation's chief executive officer and his wife, have been remanded to assist police with their investigations.
Razarudin also confirmed that nearly 40 members of GISBH are set to be rearrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) following the expiration of their remand period.