[Letter to the Editor] Shocking finds of sexual abuse in madrasas and child care homes demand urgent attention

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Letter to the Editor

By Zaabar Ballia

It is now impossible to ignore the horrifying reality of grooming and sexual assault occurring in madrasas and child care centres. Increasingly, these establishments are perceived as safe havens for children who are at risk of abuse; in certain cases, however, this perception is being exacerbated by groups such as Global Ikhwan. The widespread extent of these crimes suggests that they are not merely isolated events, but rather a national catastrophe that needs immediate intervention, according to concerning reports and firsthand accounts.

Global Ikhwan is an offshoot of Rufaqa’, a company previously helmed by the late Ashaari Muhammad, the founder of Al-Arqam. Following Muhammad’s death in 2010, Global Ikhwan has evolved from a localised initiative into an international business conglomerate, dabbling in various sectors including mini-markets, restaurants, travel services, and more. Its expansion across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Middle East, and beyond raises significant concerns, particularly as allegations relating to child grooming and sexual abuse surface among these operations.

Reports suggesting that child grooming practices are possibly entrenched within the framework of Global Ikhwan demand immediate scrutiny. The scope of the concern is vast, as the organisation’s influence is pervasive across multiple countries and cultures. Thus, the call for authorities in Malaysia—and elsewhere—to conduct thorough investigations into Global Ikhwan is not merely a reaction to individual claims; it is a necessary measure to unveil potentially systemic issues.

The term ‘grooming’ denotes a manipulative process used by predators to establish a trusting relationship with a child, often in environments where adults are given significant authority. When these practices unfold within madrasas or child care homes, where children are placed under the care of guardians and educators, the repercussions can be devastating. It may be challenging for kids to speak up in these situations because of their complicated nature and differences in power. Many are often silenced by fear, loyalty, or a misplaced sense of shame, leading to years of suffering that could have been avoided with vigilant oversight and accountability.

Taking the narrative further, the tale of Global Ikhwan’s international spread, its origins in the Al-Arqam movement, and its themes of power dynamics, social responsibility, and child safety are interwoven with each other. Al-Arqam was a movement that, despite its community-building goals, fell under significant scrutiny and faced a crackdown by Malaysian authorities before and was let to its closure in 1994. The management and legacy of its successor organisation continue to spread uncertainty regarding the safeguarding of children within the frameworks they provide. The very existence of multiple business arms complicates the matter, creating systemic challenges in accountability and oversight.

Child safety must be prioritised over any organisational gain or reputation management. Societies cannot afford to turn a blind eye to allegations of grooming and abuse, nor should the overwhelming weight of such claims be dismissed as mere rumours. What is needed is proactive engagement from both authorities and communities to ensure that institutions charged with the care and education of children are held to the highest standards of transparency and ethical conduct.

The revelations regarding Global Ikhwan and its ties to grooming accusations expose a grim reality: many institutions that are expected to nurture and protect the most vulnerable members of society may, in fact, be complicit in their victimisation. The organisation’s authority and economic clout across various domains only serve to complicate matters, potentially diverting serious allegations from appropriate scrutiny.

Investigating Global Ikhwan from top to bottom is crucial. Querying whether the issues were merely isolated or if they point to deeper, systemic problems within the organisation’s operational ethos is essential. Allegations of abuse often bring to light uncomfortable truths that exist beneath the surface, and it is imperative that authorities take proactive measures to ensure that children entrusted to these institutions are safeguarded.

Additionally, the necessity of transparency and accountability cannot be overstated. Strict regulatory control is necessary for organisations such as Global Ikhwan. A solid framework needs to be established and enforced, fostering an environment where complaints can be lodged without fear and consequences can be meted out effectively. Empowering whistleblowers and ensuring that rigorous vetting processes are in place for those who work with children can serve as a bulwark against future abuses.

We have to respond to this. Do people in positions of authority have a culture of silence or protection? Exist sufficient measures to thwart these kinds of mistreatment? The investigation must extend beyond just a handful of isolated claims, recognising that what has been unearthed may merely represent the surface of a deeper, more widespread issue—a veritable iceberg that threatens the safety of countless children. The allegations against Global Ikhwan are a call to arms for both local and international authorities to examine the scope of these abusive practices deeply. The investigations that follow must be thorough and responsive, not only to seek justice for victims but also to prevent future exploitation. Without a firm commitment to accountability and vigilance, we risk allowing the darkness of abuse to linger longer in the shadows, endangering the very futures we are meant to secure. The time for awakening is now; our children’s safety depends on it.

Zaabar Ballia
Kuching, Sarawak

This is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.

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