(Letter to the editor) Shocking findings of sexual abuse in madrassas and daycare centers demand urgent attention

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Letter to the editor

By Zaabar Ballia

It is now impossible to ignore the horrific reality of grooming and sexual abuse in madrassas and daycare centers. These institutions are increasingly seen as safe havens for children at risk of abuse; however, in some cases this perception is exacerbated by groups such as Global Ikhwan. The widespread scale of these crimes suggests that these are not isolated events but rather a national catastrophe that requires immediate intervention, according to disturbing reports and first-hand accounts.

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Global Ikhwan is an offshoot of Rufaqa’, a company previously led by the late Ashaari Muhammad, the founder of Al-Arqam. After Muhammad’s death in 2010, Global Ikhwan has evolved from a local initiative into an international business conglomerate, involved in various sectors including mini-markets, restaurants, travel services and more. Its expansion into Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Middle East and beyond has raised serious concerns, particularly as allegations of child abuse and sexual abuse surface from these operations.

Reports suggesting that child grooming practices may be entrenched within the Global Ikhwan framework require immediate scrutiny. The scale of the concern is enormous, as the organization’s influence is pervasive across multiple countries and cultures. Therefore, calling on authorities in Malaysia – and elsewhere – to fully investigate Global Ikhwan is not just a response to individual claims; it is a necessary measure to expose potentially systemic problems.

The term “grooming” refers to a manipulative process used by predators to build trust with a child, often in settings where adults are given significant authority. When these practices occur in madrassas or daycare centers, where children are placed in the care of guardians and educators, the results can be devastating. It can be challenging for children to speak up in these settings due to their complex nature and power differentials. Many are often silenced out of fear, loyalty, or a misplaced sense of shame, leading to years of suffering that could have been avoided with vigilant oversight and accountability.

If we take the story further, the story of Global Ikhwan’s international spread, its origins in the Al-Arqam movement, and the themes of power dynamics, social responsibility, and child safety are intertwined. Al-Arqam was a movement that, despite its community-building goals, came under intense scrutiny and faced a crackdown from the Malaysian authorities before being shut down in 1994. The management and legacy of its successor organization continues to spread uncertainty about the protection of children within the frameworks it provides. The existence of multiple business units complicates matters and creates systemic challenges around accountability and oversight.

The safety of children must be prioritized over organizational profit or reputation management. Societies cannot afford to turn a blind eye to allegations of grooming and abuse, nor can the overwhelming weight of such claims be dismissed as mere hearsay. What is needed is proactive engagement by both authorities and communities to ensure that institutions charged with the care and education of children adhere to the highest standards of transparency and ethical behavior.

The revelations about Global Ikhwan and its links to grooming allegations expose a stark reality: many institutions that are supposed to nurture and protect the most vulnerable members of society are in fact complicit in their victimization. The organization’s authority and economic clout in various areas only serve to complicate matters, potentially diverting serious allegations from appropriate investigations.

It is crucial to investigate Global Ikhwan from top to bottom. It is essential to investigate whether the problems were isolated or whether they point to deeper, systemic problems within the operational ethos of the organisation. Allegations of abuse often expose uncomfortable truths that exist beneath the surface, and it is vital that authorities take proactive measures to ensure that children in the care of these institutions are protected.

Furthermore, the need for transparency and accountability cannot be overstated. Strict regulatory oversight is imperative for organisations like Global Ikhwan. A robust framework must be established and enforced that fosters an environment where complaints can be made without fear and consequences can be effectively enforced. Empowering whistleblowers and ensuring that there are rigorous screening processes for those working with children can act as a bulwark against future abuse.

We must respond. Do those in positions of power have a culture of silence or protection? Are there sufficient measures in place to prevent this kind of abuse? The investigation must go beyond a handful of isolated claims, recognizing that what has been unearthed may only represent the surface of a deeper, more widespread problem – a veritable iceberg threatening the safety of countless children. The allegations against Global Ikhwan are a call to action for both local and international authorities to thoroughly investigate the scale of these abusive practices. The investigations that follow must be thorough and responsive, not only to seek justice for victims, but also to prevent future exploitation. Without a firm commitment to accountability and vigilance, we risk allowing the darkness of abuse to linger in the shadows for longer, endangering the very future we are meant to secure. The time to wake up is now; the safety of our children depends on it.

Seed Ballia
Kuching, Sarawak

This is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the editor may be lightly edited for clarity.

— DayakDaily

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