Khaulah Ashaari said GISBH members have repented and are committed to no longer practise teachings from Al-Arqam, a religious group which the National Fatwa Council banned in 1994 for deviant teachings.
She told a press conference here that even GISBH’s CEO, Nasiruddin Ali, had frequently reminded the group to follow the right Islamic teachings (fatwas) and not to repeat Al-Arqam practices.
“In terms of practices, GISBH is consistent in no longer practising any teachings considered deviant,” said Khaulah, a GISBH subsidiary director.
“We have followed courses organised by the (religious) authorities and have undergone the repentance process. We are committed to not repeating the teachings of the Al-Arqam era.”
She added that the religious authorities also monitored schools operated by GISBH to ensure its syllabus did not deviate from Islamic teachings.
Commenting on music videos allegedly promoting Ashaari on social media, Khaulah said they were clips from 2011 which had resurfaced on the internet.
“Those videos were made in 2011 – before we went through a 500-hour course (organised by the religious authorities),” she said.
Last month, the police raided at least 20 welfare homes under GISBH and rescued over 600 children who were believed to have been exploited. Police said some of them were sexually abused.
More than 400 people linked to the group have been arrested, including 58 people who have been detained under the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
GISBH previously said it had discarded its former image as Al-Arqam’s business wing and is currently positioned as a multinational company.
However, leaflets and books promoting Ashaari’s teachings were uncovered during raids on GISBH premises.
In 1986, religious authorities raised concerns about a book written by Ashaari which suggested that Prophet Muhammad could be physically encountered, leading to its ban.
Ashaari defied the ban, left Malaysia, and challenged the authorities while publishing books defending his movement.
Allegations of unIslamic practices, such as Ashaari’s claims of divine connections and magical powers, increased scrutiny on the movement.
He was accused of attempting to form an Islamic government and stirred controversy by predicting the fall of then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration.
The National Fatwa Council deemed Al-Arqam a deviant organisation in 1994, leading to its ban.