KUALA LUMPUR: Daily allowances are now extended to the wives and children of members from Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) who participate in the voluntary rehabilitation programme.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan, explained that this move is designed to encourage GISB members and their followers to take part in the programme, helping them reconnect with the true teachings of Islam and reintegrate into society.
"Various efforts have been made to encourage them to join the programme. This includes assistance from religious councils, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department and state religious departments, which are offering assistance such as daily allowances for those attending the rehabilitation programme, which not only for them but for their children and wives as well," he said in response to Azli Yusof (PN-Shah Alam).
Azli had inquired about the government's efforts to address the low number of GISB members volunteering for the rehabilitation program.
Zulkifli said the number of volunteers remains low due to the its voluntary nature.
On Oct 14, the government launched a voluntary rehabilitation programme for all GISB members and followers who are still at large, to help them return to the true teachings of Islam.
Meanwhile, National Security Council deputy director-general Datuk Baharuddin Ahmad said the registration for the three-month programme was open until Nov 14, with all GISB members eligible to participate, regardless of age or gender.
Zulkifli added that the rehabilitation programme follows the 'istitabah' module, which focuses on restoring faith, instilling national values, and providing education and life skills training.
In response to a question on the criteria for deviant teachings by Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa), Zulkifli said that among the signs are extreme devotion to a leader, to the point of considering the leader infallible like the Prophet, and manipulating the naivety of followers to fulfill the desires of superiors.
"Other signs include lying in the name of Allah, the Prophet, and other deceased influential figures, as well as teaching followers to become fanatical about certain practices as a sign of loyalty."