Photos by Muhammad Zulsyamini Sufian Suri
IPOH: Most people linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB Holdings) are victims in need of guidance as they lack a strong foundation in Islam.
Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini said religious authorities should conduct information sessions about GISB for the public, especially mosque committees.
He highlighted the role of the media in presenting the group in proper perspective, which was crucial to prevent similar cases.
"The GISB issue should be seen as a challenge and a wake-up call for Islamic agencies on how easily people can be influenced by deviant teachings.
"I think information on GISB is not clear. Many people only get information from the media.
"I propose that Islamic agencies organise information sessions for all mosque committees."
He said this after the Orang Asli Orphans and Asnaf Children Circumcision Programme organised by the Perak Women's Welfare Association in Kampung Chadak, Ulu Kinta, here, today.
"I see these people as victims, not criminals. They are victims because they lack a strong foundation in Islam, which I view as a challenge for Islamic agencies, as it shows how easily people can be influenced."
He said during a meeting led by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department two weeks ago, it was revealed that 18,000 people have been involved with GISB.
"This raises concerns about how a deviant teaching can attract such a large following."
Besides the religious authorities, he said, the Education Ministry and the media must also play a role in efforts to rehabilitate victims and curb the spread of GISB teachings.
"Even though Islamic education begins in Year 1 in school, many people are still influenced by teachings that deviate from Islam.
"I urge the ministry, especially Islamic teachers, to view this as feedback on our shortcomings.
"We have failed to establish a strong defence and foundation in Islamic knowledge to fight deviant teachings."
He warned that children indoctrinated by GISB posed a serious threat.
"I was informed that, through tests conducted, it was found that GISB children have been indoctrinated with the idea of carrying out an Islamic revolution.
"Such toxic ideas have been implanted in their minds.
"We must not lose focus. If I, as president of MAIPk, just learnt two weeks ago that 18,000 people have been involved with GISB, what about the public?"