Islamic Religious Department probes cult's activities

New Straits Times Online - Malaysia
October 5, 2008

by Adrian David & V. Shuman

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has begun investigations into the alleged cult activities practised by a family which claimed the lives of two members on Wednesday.

Jawi director Datuk Che Mat Che Ali has directed his officers to interview witnesses to gather more information.

Jawi began the probe as one of the four suspects remanded is believed to be a staunch follower of the Al Arqam movement that was banned by the government in 1993 for spreading deviationist teachings of Islam.

This follows the revelation by the deceased's brother, Mohd Ali Kader Mydin, who claimed he had severed ties with his brother for following the teachings of the movement.

Ali had said that several of his siblings had distanced themselves from the brother after their repeated calls for him to give up his beliefs went unheeded.

A photograph of the Al-Arqam leader was found hanging in the living room of the brother's flat in Sri Sarawak here where the murders took place.

The main suspect in the case is the elder brother of Telekom Malaysia technical assistant Mohd Ibrahim Kader Mydin, 47, who was beaten to death with his wife, Rosina S.M. Mydin Pillay, 41.

Arrested along with the suspect were two of his sons, aged 21 and 23, and Ibra-him's 17-year-old son.

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old girl who was also beaten up in the incident, underwent head surgery at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital earlier yesterday.

The girl, who is the youngest daughter of the main suspect, is currently under observation at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.

City police CID chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Ku Chin Wah said police had taken urine samples from the suspects and sent it for testing to see if they were under the influence of drugs during the "ritual".

On Hari Raya day, Ibrahim, his wife Rosina and their three children visited his elder brother and his family at the Sri Sarawak flat in Jalan Imbi.

It was learnt that at the family gathering, Ibrahim told his brother that he was finding it difficult to kick his smoking habit.

Rosina also complained of a liver ailment.

The elder brother's 23-year-old son suggested that they perform a ritual, which included beating each other with helmets and broomsticks.

It was learnt that all 11 members of the family participated in the hour-long ritual.

This article was found at:

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/2366627/Article/index_html