The article reveals the harrowing experiences of a Singaporean woman, Zoey, who was entangled in a complex web of abuse within the controversial Malaysian conglomerate, Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB). Zoey, who was forced into marriage at the age of 17, describes a nightmarish 18-year journey filled with unimaginable horrors. She recounts, “I was a sex slave to my husband,” highlighting the extent of the abuse she endured under the guise of marriage.
Zoey’s tale sheds light on the deep-rooted issues plaguing GISB, an organization under scrutiny for allegations ranging from sexual abuse to human trafficking. With insights into the group’s ties to the banned Al-Arqam religious cult in Malaysia, Zoey’s narrative unveils the insidious nature of the teachings propagated within GISB.
Recounting her indoctrination, Zoey shares how she and other members were subjected to intense brainwashing, cut off from the outside world, and forced into labor without pay. The article paints a chilling picture of manipulation and control as Zoey’s autonomy was stripped away, and dissent was met with isolation and punishment. In Zoey’s own words, “We were only allowed to read reading materials (about Abuya) that (GISB) issued us, and nothing else. Not even newspapers.”
The piece further delves into the systemic abuse perpetuated within GISB, where women were treated as mere commodities with no agency of their own. Zoey’s account of being coerced into a marriage and enduring years of physical and emotional torment showcases the profound impact of the group’s toxic doctrines on its members.
As Zoey bravely navigates her journey towards liberation, seeking divorce and justice for the atrocities she faced, her story serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within organizations like GISB. It underscores the resilience of survivors and the imperative to dismantle structures of exploitation and manipulation that continue to thrive unchecked.
