PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said those suspected of being involved were former members or leaders who had left the party before becoming active with GISBH.

“PAS members are not involved in GISBH. Those involved are individuals who left PAS earlier,” he told a press conference after a Selangor-level party event.

He was responding to speculations that some PAS members and leaders were involved with GISBH. This matter arose after a statement by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan on Sept 22.

Takiyuddin had expressed hope that the business network under GISBH would not be unfairly targeted amid investigations into alleged child abuse, sexual abuse and deviant Islamic teachings at the group.

However, he said PAS welcomed a transparent and professional investigation into various allegations against GISBH and fully supported strict action being taken against those found guilty.

On Sept 14, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang also denied allegations that the party and its members were linked to the company.

Perlis, Selangor and Pahang have issued fatwas declaring GISBH’s activities deviant, citing their continued adherence to the teachings of the banned Al-Arqam movement and the belief that its founder, Ashaari Muhammad, did not die in 2001 but “disappeared”.