Ensure a fair investigation into GISB, avoid using Sosma: CSO Platform for Reform

KUALA LUMPUR – Civil society organisation CSO Platform for Reform has called on authorities to stop using laws that allow for the detention without trial of suspects from Global Ikhwan Servis and Business Holdings (GISB). It also urged strict adherence to the rule of law.

In a statement today, the group stressed that while allegations of child abuse, sexual exploitation and deviant teaching involving GISB are alarming, investigations must remain fair and just.

“While the allegations against GISB are deeply concerning, law enforcement agencies are urged not to detain individuals without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

“It is reiterated that any investigation must comply with the principles of justice and fairness.

“Law enforcement authorities are urged to conduct their investigation thoroughly and ensure that the rule of law is strictly applied, without fear or prejudice,” the statement said.

The CSO Platform for Reform also stressed that the government’s actions could provide an important opportunity to improve the well-being and protection of children, especially as many of the alleged victims are minors.

They pointed out that Malaysia has an obligation under the Child Act 2001 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect children from violence, exploitation and harm.

In light of these legal obligations, the group urged the government to ensure that victims of GISB have access to medical, psychological and social support services to assist in their recovery.

Maria Chin Abdullah, former MP for Petaling Jaya, yesterday expressed her concern. She opposed the police’s proposal to call in Sosma, saying the Code of Criminal Procedure would be sufficient to conduct investigations.

She said the use of draconian legislation such as Sosma is merely an excuse for police to drag out investigations.

“The evidence is there, as the police have claimed over the past week, and they have even publicly announced what they found.

“The GISB case is of public interest to everyone and all investigations must go through a public process so that the public knows the truth,” Maria said in a Facebook post yesterday.

She said using draconian legislation such as Sosma would only lead to police prolonging investigations.

On Monday, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said authorities would use all available laws, including Sosma, to investigate GISB, adding that necessary steps must be taken to prevent the group from operating in the future.

GISB made headlines after raids on 20 nursing homes allegedly run by the group were conducted on September 11, rescuing 402 children.

Later investigations revealed that many children had suffered physical and mental injuries. Police investigations revealed that 13 of them had been victims of sodomy.

GISB has since denied the allegations. – September 25, 2024

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