Saifuddin has confidence in the police in their investigation into GISB

PUTRAJAYA: Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he has confidence in the competence of the police in handling the investigation into GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB).

He said action must be taken if it becomes clear that there is exploitation of women and children, sexual crimes against children, or human trafficking.

“I fully support the actions taken by the police against GISB. If there is exploitation of women and children and there is evidence, continue the investigation. If there are violations under the Criminal Code, proceed further. Or under the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act; continue.

“(If there is an offence) under ATIPSOM (Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smoggling of Migrants Act 2007), open an investigation. If there are elements of forced labour, such as working without pay, start than an investigation,” he told a news conference after the monthly meeting of the Interior Ministry.

Saifuddin added that besides the police, the National Registration Department also played a key role in the GISB case by identifying the identification documents of the rescued children.

“Some from the Syariah Lawyers Association have raised questions about the legitimacy (of the children), but for us, their identification documents are their sufficient birth certificates.

“We just need to make sure that they have the right identification documents before they can be included in regular education and so on. That is our responsibility,” he said.

Last week, police confirmed that the investigation into GISB through Op Global was currently focused on tracing the flow of money, including assets within the country linked to the company.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had said the process is expected to take time as it involves tracing assets and monetary transactions both through company accounts and those of individuals.

Saifuddin said 80 investigation papers have been opened against GISB so far, covering four laws: the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017, ATIPSOM 2007 and the Criminal Code.

He added that 359 arrests have been made and 592 GISBH children have been successfully rescued.

“Of the 80 investigative papers that have been opened, the police and all agencies will of course take time to complete the investigations before submitting them to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC). Whether there will be prosecutions or not, that decision lies with the AGC,” he said.

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