Approximately 100 bank accounts linked to the controversial non-governmental organisation Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB) have been frozen by the authorities. The total value of these frozen accounts is said to be over RM580,000 (US$135,000). In addition to this, the authorities have also seized eight vehicles belonging to GISB. The Singapore-based CNA had previously reported that GISB, established in 2010, had assets amounting to around RM325 million globally. It was further revealed by the police chief that GISB’s executive chairman and CEO may be called in for questioning in the future.
In response to the recent events, GISB’s executive chairman and CEO Nasiruddin Mohd Ali posted a video on the conglomerate’s Facebook page acknowledging that there were “one or two” cases of sodomy in the care homes operated by GISB. He denied other allegations of misconduct. Nasiruddin questioned the lumping together of all the cases of sodomy and expressed his dismay at being perceived as violating the law without prior discussions or advice. However, the police chief dismissed the need for prior discussions or advice, highlighting the necessity of conducting investigations to ascertain the facts.
The police chief, Mr Razarudin, emphasized that there was no requirement for the authorities to consult with GISB before initiating investigations into the allegations of wrongdoing. He refuted Nasiruddin’s claims of holding discussions with certain unnamed individuals, stating that neither he nor the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director had been involved in any such discussions. This response suggests a divergence in perspectives between GISB’s leadership and the law enforcement agencies regarding the handling of the investigations.
The freezing of close to 100 GISB-linked bank accounts and the seizure of several vehicles mark significant actions taken by the authorities in response to the allegations against GISB. The freezing of the bank accounts worth over RM580,000 indicates a concerted effort to prevent further financial transactions by the organization. Moreover, the potential summons of GISB’s top executives for questioning underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the authorities’ commitment to conducting a thorough investigation.
The acknowledgments made by GISB’s executive chairman and CEO regarding cases of sodomy at care homes operated by the organization add further complexity to the situation. While Nasiruddin accepted the occurrence of “one or two” cases of sodomy, he questioned the handling of these cases by the authorities and advocated for prior discussions or advice. However, the police chief’s response underscores the importance of following established investigative procedures and protocols to ensure a fair and objective assessment of the situation. The diverging perspectives on the need for prior consultations reflect the ongoing challenges in addressing the allegations against GISB.
As the investigations into GISB and its alleged misconduct continue, the actions taken by the authorities, including the freezing of bank accounts and the potential summoning of top executives, indicate a significant development in the case. The conflicting viewpoints between GISB’s leadership and the law enforcement agencies highlight the complexities involved in managing such investigations. Ultimately, the resolution of these allegations will depend on the comprehensive and impartial assessment of the facts, guided by established legal procedures and protocols.
