KUALA LUMPUR: Members of parliament from both sides of the divide have criticised the detention of several Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) members under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012.
Government backbencher Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) said despite the organisation's alleged promotion of deviant teachings, its members still retain legal rights under Malaysian law.
"This contradicts the government's reform agenda, which upholds the principle of compassion," he said during the debate on the GISB issue following an explanatory session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru) described the use of Sosma as unwise, given that the organisation does not involve any violent elements.
"That is why we advise against overreacting and ensure fairness for the accused is upheld.
"I urge the government to take appropriate action," said the PN chief whip.
It was reported that 16 GISB members, including its chief executive officer, had been detained under Sosma.
The organisation has been under scrutiny following police raids on Sept 11 at 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by the organisation, which led to the rescue of 402 people, most of whom are children.
Subsequent screenings revealed that many had suffered physical and emotional abuse, with 13 reportedly being victims of sexual assault, including sodomy.
Many other children have been rescued since then.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar had earlier told the House that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department had found deviant practices among GISB members.