Siti Kasim criticizes JAKIM for not keeping an eye on extremists like Ikhwan Global and being too concerned with halal certification

HUMAN rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim has attacked the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) for being too involved in issues related to halal and haram until extremism entered the country.

She was responding to revelations by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain that 402 children were rescued during raids on 20 nursing homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, which were allegedly linked to the Global Ikhwan Group and were forced to commit sexual abuse, including sodomy.

According to to liberate Malaysia today Razarudin further revealed that some of the rescued children were forced to sexually assault other residents, while others were physically abused, including being burned with hot objects for minor mistakes.

“JAKIM should keep an eye on extremist religious groups like Ikhwan Global, where there is sexual abuse by children from so-called orphanages, while the children are not even orphans but children of members of the (Ikhwan group),” Siti Kasim said in a Facebook video.

“Why is there no reaction or voice of condemnation from (Malaysian/Islamic) politicians or JAKIM’s top brass? Is this because of the strong connection of Ikhwan Global leaders who are seen sitting with our PM (Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and other powerful people as evident from photos shown on the X platform?”

Global Ikhwan’s holding company, GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd, which was established in 2010 from the remnants of the Islamic sect Arqam Group, has since denied that the company is involved in child exploitation.

In a statement issued yesterday (September 11), GSIM pledged to work with authorities to resolve the issue.

GISM said the police allegations were serious and malicious, but further denied that the nursing homes in question were under its control. GISM would not hesitate to take legal action against “certain parties” it accused of having a hidden agenda to tarnish its reputation.

Meanwhile, Siti Kasim also lashed out at Anwar, saying he should be the first to condemn such a scandalous act of sexual abuse of young children.

“Fortunately, the police acted swiftly but only after a police report was filed, while the truth had already come to light months ago when Dr Maza (Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin) had been consistently criticising the group in his series of lectures for over a month,” the Orang Asli advocate noted.

“I hope the case will not ultimately end in an NFA (no further action)… I want to hear the condemnation from the Malaysian leaders (both in government and opposition).

“Where are your voices to condemn such a hugely embarrassing incident when you would have reacted so quickly if the perpetrators were not Malays/Muslims.”

Siti Kasim further reprimanded UMNO Youth Head Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh over his “gentle and double standard response” to the police action in the children’s homes, in which 66 men and 105 women aged 17 to 64 were also arrested. They were carers, religious teachers and chairmen of the homes.

“This was nothing compared to the insults against DAP vice-chair Teresa Kok or the 24-hour supermarket KK Super Mart at the height of the sock-gate saga (in March this year),” claimed Siti Kasim.

“He was very gracious about it by asking the authorities for time to investigate… he didn’t swear or say nasty things, but just indicated that he wanted to leave it to the authorities to do their job, as opposed to calling names like to be ajar or you are a child or to put a non-halal stamp on Kok’s forehead.” – Sept. 12, 2024

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