N. SEMBILAN UPHOLDS SAME FATWA ON GISBH TEACHINGS AS AL-ARQAM - AMINUDDIN

SEREMBAN, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan government remains firm in its decision to uphold its 2016 declaration that labeled the teachings and beliefs of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) as deviant, following the same ruling made for the Al-Arqam movement.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun emphasised that there is no need for a separate fatwa on GISBH, as their beliefs mirror those of Al-Arqam, which was already declared deviant.

"When they attempted to revive Aurad Muhammadiah, it became deviant. There’s no need for additional regulations when existing ones suffice. Other states may take their own approach," he said.

"The current Enactment is sufficient. Believing in something that is not authentic is deviant. We recognise the direction it’s heading, so it’s deviant. If Al-Arqam’s belief is deemed haram, GISBH falls under the same enactment," he said during a press conference after an Exco meeting today.

Previously, Negeri Sembilan Mufti Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Faudzinaim Badarudin was reported as saying the state’s Fatwa Committee concluded that the teachings and beliefs of GISBH are identical to those of Al-Arqam, which was declared deviant in 2016.

Aminuddin, who also chairs the State Committee on Islamic Affairs and Security, urged GISBH followers in the state to voluntarily register for the rehabilitation programme provided by the government.

He explained that the three-month programme is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and aims to protect the faith and well-being of GISBH members.

Previously, National Security Council deputy director-general, Datuk Baharuddin Ahmad, announced that the government is offering a voluntary rehabilitation programme for GISBH members still at large to help them return to true Islamic teachings.

He noted that registration is open until Nov 14, and participants of all ages and genders are welcome.

-- BERNAMA