The controversy surrounding GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), which has been implicated in issues of exploiting children and religion, has intensified as Perlis became the first state to declare that the teachings and beliefs promoted by the group contain elements of deviant teachings, particularly in the aspect of spirituality. The decision was made following a special meeting of the Perlis State Fatwa Committee today, which found that the group's beliefs elevate their leaders and religious figures to an excessive level, nearly equating them with the Prophet Muhammad. Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, when announcing the matter, said that the ideology brought by GISBH was a continuation of the teachings of 'Al-Arqam', which had previously been declared heretical. Moreover, the company's economic model was found to be in conflict with Islamic economic principles as it involved elements of oppression, slavery of those involved, and exploitation of members, children, and women. At the same time, the Negeri Sembilan state government today expressed its hope that federal religious authorities would make a clear determination regarding all matters related to GISBH. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said this was to ensure that the public could clearly understand the matter, preventing any statements based on individual views that could cause confusion. Source: BERNAMA News Agency