KUALA LUMPUR – Former PKR leader and Islamic preacher Badrulamin Bahron has stepped forward to defend his niece, Marhamah Rosli, following her appointment as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
Her entry into the federal administration has drawn criticism, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also facing questions over the decision, as social media buzzed with allegations about Marhamah’s past.
In a Facebook statement, Badrulamin addressed the issues raised online, particularly her role in the Justice for Zara (Qairina Mahathir) campaign and its donation drive for the family of the 13‑year‑old student whose death was linked to bullying.
He clarified that the NGOs involved had obtained a permit from the Sabah Chief Minister’s Office and notified the police.
“Internal audit (on the collection) has also been carried out and reported to the police. The fund collected was used to help Zara’s family and witnesses to attend meetings and prepare for the inquest and proceedings at court. Marhamah’s name was not used in any of the accounts, but on the contrary, the accounts were under lawyers, Zara’s mother and NGO representatives,” Badrulamin said.
On allegations of involvement in a gold investment scam that reportedly caused RM14 million in losses, Badrulamin insisted Marhamah was herself a victim. He stressed she was not an agent of the scheme and had fully cooperated with police investigations.
He also dismissed claims that Marhamah had embraced New Age teachings, which religious leaders have warned run counter to mainstream Ahli Sunnah Wal‑Jamaah.
“There is no evidence provided by any party or admission by Marhamah herself that she practises New Age,” he said, adding that the perception arose because she participated in programmes and dialogues with a “universal spiritual nature.”
“Her use of language or symbols may have been interpreted as aligned with New Age concepts – an interfaith or liberal spirituality approach with unclear boundaries of aqidah (belief). My conclusion is this: Islam teaches us balance, but also emphasises wisdom (hikmah) and tabayyun – to verify facts and avoid slander – to be firm in matters of creed, gentle in social dealings (muamalah), and to evaluate ideas and approaches rather than judging intentions without evidence,” he added.
Marhamah, an ustazah from Sabah with a law degree from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), was among the new faces introduced in Anwar’s extensive Cabinet reshuffle yesterday, which saw two ministers dropped and several portfolios changed. – December 17, 2025