LETTER | The Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) scandal has indeed opened a can of worms.

An organisation that operates brazenly right under the noses of various enforcement agencies while breaking every possible law raises bigger questions than what meets the eye.

While the public welcomes the actions taken by the law enforcers on GISBH, we wonder what runs deeper in the waters, if any.

Having run a single enterprise for 20 years, I was subjected to inspection by local and federal authorities annually.

From the Inland Revenue Board, Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Socso, Labour Department, and health authorities, right down to the local council officers, come knocking to ensure that all legal requirements are met in running a legitimate business.

A week’s delay in EPF submission could easily result in getting a call from them or even a notice for defaulting.

But surprisingly, GISBH was flourishing all this while with an impressive international and national spread with no red flags much earlier.

Demand thorough probe

The extent of its growth and geographical coverage in so many sectors of business must have surely raised an eye or two within the years.

One cannot dismiss the possibility that the element of corruption could have played a major role in keeping them under the radar.

Credit to the prime minister for taking a firm stand on GISBH, but he should also extend and demand that a thorough investigation be done to disclose corruption within any law enforcement agencies, if any, that could have facilitated GISBH’s illegal activities.

Indeed, it is baffling that such a large business entity got away from paying taxes and operated unlicensed premises within the jurisdictions of various local councils.

Even night market and roadside stall traders must apply for a licence or permit.

Some things just don’t add up at the moment.

The MACC should dig deeper into the angle of corruption and book all those who could have directly or indirectly worked in cahoots with GISBH.

What has been uncovered thus far regarding GISBH’s operations and modus operandi could just be the tip of the iceberg.

It’s time to hunt down the bigger culprits.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.