Malaysia investigates militant indoctrination claims among rescued GISB children

Inspector General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed on Sunday that the investigation shifted focus to the possibility of militant indoctrination – including whether the children were shown videos with a militant theme.

“We do know that the children in the care homes were also shown videos of their leader ‘Abuya’,” he said.

The original police operations against GISB did not initially involve militant teachings, but evidence has prompted a re-evaluation.

Al-Arqam, the predecessor of GISB, was founded in 1968 by Ashaari Mohammad, also known as Abuya, and was banned in 1994. The organization was later renamed Rufaqa Corporation before adopting its current name.