Controversial polygamy club plans to set up branches in Indonesia

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 20 (ANI): It has emerged that the controversial Ikhwan Polygamy Club is planning to set up branches in Indonesia.

A branch already exists in Bandung, launched by the Malaysian chapter chairman Hatijah Aam, the second wife of Ashaari Muhammad, who is the founder of the now-defunct Al-Arqam movement.

The club was launched in an upscale hotel, and the event themed "Polygamy as panacea to win the love of God" attracted 150 people.

According to the Jakarta Globe, Hatijah plans to open more branches in Indonesia.

"I have travelled throughout Indonesia to convey the mission of polygamy," the Star Online quoted her as telling the newspaper.

Hatijah said the club in Malaysia, set up in August, currently had 300 members from various countries, including Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, the Middle East and Thailand.

Last month, former Al-Arqam member and legal adviser Zabidi Mohamed had said that the setting up of the club in Malaysia was an attempt to revive the defunct movement.

"The name and the packaging may be different, but the people leading it are the same ones," he said.

The polygamy club is managed by Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, which was set up by former Al-Arqam members after their previous outfit, Rufaqa Corporation Sdn Bhd, was busted by the religious authorities a few years ago.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam was reported to have said last month that the ministry was keeping a close eye on the club and was waiting for the right time to act. (ANI)