SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Fatwa Committee’s decision to declare the practices and beliefs of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) as deviant from the true teachings of Islam is expected to be gazetted soon, according to the chairman of the Selangor Islamic Affairs and Cultural Innovation Committee, Dr. Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.
He stated that the decision would be brought before the State Executive Council Meeting (MMKN) for discussion and, if approved, forwarded to the State Legal Adviser for the gazetting process. “We will present this at the MMKN, and if all members agree, it will then be submitted to the State Legal Adviser for the fatwa to be gazetted. After that, it will become a state government enactment and will be tabled as a motion in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly session,” he explained to reporters at the Selangor Innovation Festival 2024 today.
On October 3, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, gave his consent to the fatwa issued by the Selangor State Fatwa Committee, declaring that the leaders, followers, employees, and members of GISB and its affiliates have strayed from the true teachings of Islam. According to a statement from the Selangor Royal Office, the fatwa was issued because GISB members were believed to be practicing the “Aurad Muhammadiah” or “Zikir Agung” ritual, which had been previously declared deviant by Gazette No. 54 on February 4, 1993, as propagated by the Darul Arqam group.
Dr. Mohammad Fahmi also mentioned that once the fatwa is enforced, all GISB business operations in Selangor will be shut down. He dismissed concerns that this would negatively impact the Malay economy, countering claims from certain groups. “This organization is not a key contributor to the Malay economy. I don’t understand how people can support their income-generation methods, especially given the allegations of abuse and child exploitation. Their employees have not been paid, and GISB has never contributed taxes or zakat. The state government will not compromise on this issue,” he stated.
