LENGGONG: Perak does not see the necessity to issue a fatwa regarding the teachings, ideologies, and practices of GISB Holdings (GISB), said Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani said enforcement actions against members or followers of GISBH in Perak would align with the fatwa decided by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI).
He said the MKI decision, chaired by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has declared teachings, ideologies, and practices of GISBH as deviant and is sufficient to allow enforcement and rehabilitation actions against the individuals involved.
"There is no need to issue another fatwa since the MKI decision is already in place, and we adhere to it.
"God willing, we will discuss this matter in the State Executive Council meeting on Nov 27, upon my return from Dubai.
"MKI is chaired by the Sultan of Perak, making it a standard for the entire nation since MKI operates at the national level.
"This means we comply with and implement enforcement on those involved based on the established decision," Saarani told reporters after launching the Engagement Session with Tourism Industry Players in Lenggong District at Tasik Raban Resort here, today.
As of now, there are no new arrests in Perak, he said.
Instead, he said, rehabilitation efforts are focused on the welfare of children involved, handled by the Welfare Department, while the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) conducts faith restoration programmes.
Yesterday, media reported that the MKI Muzakarah Committee had declared the teachings, ideologies, and practices of GISB as deviant based on the committee's meeting from September 24 to 26.
Following this decision, Muslims were urged to distance themselves from such teachings, ideologies, and practices, prohibited from believing, following, teaching, or spreading them.
Related federal and state agencies were also encouraged to facilitate repentance processes (istitabah) and allocate appropriate resources.
MKI Muzakarah Committee chairman Datuk Nooh Gadut said that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) had briefed Sultan Nazrin as MKI chairman and subsequently presented the ruling at the Rulers' Council Meeting on Oct 23 and 24.
He said the council acknowledged the ruling, and state authorities could consider implementing it as a state fatwa.
Saarani also expressed confidence that the Home Ministry had learned from the modus operandi of GISB, allegedly practicing teachings linked to the Al-Arqam movement, previously declared deviant. This includes corporate name changes, such as from Rufaqa' Corporation Sdn Bhd (Rufaqa') to GISB.
"I believe KDN has studied the matter, learning from the transition of Al-Arqam to GISB.
They will undoubtedly have their methods to prevent the recurrence of similar issues," he said.