SHAH ALAM - Cults with deviant teachings frequently encourage large-scale procreation to expand, preserve and normalise their way of life for survival.
A criminologist and psychologist, from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Associate Professor Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat said that based on her research on cults, radicalisation and extremism, GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) has over time, exploited certain religious and cultural values of Islam and Malay identity.
"The involvement of children and procreation within cults is not a new phenomenon.
"This occurs worldwide as an attempt to propagate the cult’s beliefs and culture to the point of social normalisation.
"Once the membership is large enough, it begins to subtly integrate into wider society, with cult members acting as behavioural and social ambassadors. This helps to reshape the perceptions of outsiders, moving them towards acceptance and inclusion.
"The spectrum of cults ranges from benign (unorthodox beliefs or practices) to extremely dangerous (which may lead to acts such as murder or suicide pacts).
"Generally, cults can be categorised into those driven by immediate gains, short-term goals or long-term objectives,” she said.
Geshina believes GISBH falls into the category of being long-term gain-driven, focusing on sustaining its way of life over time.
"The creation and moulding of members into blindly loyal followers is seen as worth the time and effort.
"This is demonstrated by the generational conditioning of parents, children, and possibly even grandchildren within the cult, who do not perceive themselves as religiously deviant.
"In fact, they often view non-members as the ones who are religiously misguided,” she said.
Geshina also pointed out that there are individuals who may unwittingly become part of the deviant group or fall victim to it due to their ignorance, social or familial grooming or a lack of understanding.
"One of the defining aspects of cults is the process of grooming, which fosters blind faith and trust.
"This occurs even when there is irrefutable evidence to the contrary, which members may deny, disbelieve or ignore.
"A common feature in many cults is the belief in a divine element associated with certain individuals, often the cult leader.
"Based on various accounts, GISBH combined a member service-oriented approach with metaphysical gatherings to attract and retain followers.
"This blind belief and devoutness may have already harmed some members and could continue to do so even after they leave the group,” she said.
Geshina clarified that the cultivation of belief and devotion involves a comprehensive psychosocial, linguistic and economic grooming process.
"Techniques such as influence, control, brainwashing, emotional manipulation, personal or familial relationships and appeals are used.
"It is highly likely that members and supporters are not fully aware of the extent of manipulation, exploitation, abuse and neglect occurring, especially if they were born and raised within cult compounds,” she added.
Geshina also shed some light on cult patterns that may contradict acceptable behaviour in various spheres such as religious, secular or legal.
According to her research, these groups often exhibit distinct social-structural, social-psychological, interpersonal and socio-economic characteristics that deviate from societal norms.
"Social-structurally, one of the key markers is the group's extreme devotion to its leader, who is seen as an unquestionable authority.
"This leader often controls all aspects of the members' lives, from personal decisions like dating and marriage to professional choices.
"Members are expected to spend significant amounts of time involved in group activities, isolating them from non-group members and must conform to a strict hierarchy in order to demonstrate their devoutness.
"The leader's authority remains unchecked, in stark contrast to leaders in mainstream religions who are accountable to higher structures,” she said.
On a social-psychological level, Geshina said that cults use mind-altering practices like chanting, meditation and rigid work routines to suppress doubts and promote obedience.
"The group's leader is often exalted as a special being, whether viewed as a Messiah or having a unique mission to save humanity.
"Such an elitist mindset serves to reinforce the group’s control over members, manipulating emotions like guilt and shame to maintain loyalty.
"Those who are deeply involved often cut ties with family and friends, believing that their lives only have meaning within the group.
"Any thoughts of leaving are met with fear of reprisal or social exclusion.
"The group also engages in grooming individuals to adopt behaviours that are otherwise immoral, illegal or deviant, which can further isolate members from the wider society,” she said.
Geshina also described that interpersonal behaviour within these groups is heavily controlled.
"Questioning or dissent is not tolerated, and members are drawn into an ‘us versus them’ mentality, where the group is viewed as superior to the outside world.
"Members may even engage in activities they once found unethical, such as lying or taking part in deviant sexual practices, all in the name of the group's exalted mission.
"They are trained to become ambassadors for the group, actively recruiting others who fit their ideal mould,” she said.
Meanwhile on the socio-economic front, Geshina said these groups often show a preoccupation with increasing membership and accumulating wealth.
"Financial control remains with a select few within the leadership and members are often confined to working within the group’s system, furthering the economic entrapment.
"By restricting access to wealth and resources, the leaders maintain control over members' lives and limit their independence, ensuring long-term loyalty to the group,” she said.