Nooh Gadut, chairman of the muzakarah committee said they will be discussing Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) at the next meeting.

“Maybe next week,” he told FMT.

However he would not comment on the declaration by Perlis mufti, Asri Zainul Abidin earlier today that GISBH promotes deviant beliefs and operates businesses in an unIslamic manner.

“I cannot comment about it now,” Nooh said.

Asri said GISBH’s beliefs are a continuation of those adopted by the banned Al-Arqam movement and that the company fosters a cult-like devotion to its leaders, elevating them to a status comparable to Prophet Muhammad.

The fatwa (religious edict) issued by the Perlis religious council follows heightened concerns over GISBH after police raided 20 welfare homes – 18 in Selangor and two in Negeri Sembilan – last week and rescued 402 children, some of whom were allegedly sexually abused or taught to assault others.

Police said the welfare homes were linked to GISBH but the company has since denied operating the homes. However, the company’s CEO, Nasiruddin Ali, admitted on Sept 14 that cases of sodomy had occurred within the organisation in the past.

Nasiruddin is among more than 20 people being held in custody, including his sons and the sons of Al-Arqam’s founder, the late Ashaari Mohammad, as well as members of the company’s top management.