Newly appointed deputy religious affairs minister Marhamah Rosli has rejected allegations that the “Justice for Zara” fund was misused, stressing that the fundraising initiative was managed transparently and independently.
Marhamah, who initiated the movement to support the inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir, said the fund is separate from accounts linked to NGOs she previously chaired and has its own authorised signatories. These include Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, several lawyers and committee members.
She said the donations were used to cover costs related to the inquest, including transport and accommodation for expert witnesses, as well as travel and lodging expenses for Zara’s family during preparations and court proceedings.
Speaking to Bernama after being sworn in at Istana Negara today, Marhamah said the fundraising drive had obtained approval from the Sabah chief minister’s department and had been reported to the police, with a comprehensive report prepared up to November.
“We are fully prepared to submit all records for audit by the authorities,” she said, adding that the remaining funds may not be sufficient as the inquest is still ongoing.
Speculation about Marhamah’s involvement in the Justice for Zara movement surfaced on social media following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of her appointment yesterday. She was among the earliest supporters of Zara’s mother after the teenager’s death.
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar on July 17 and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I in Kota Kinabalu.
Marhamah said her appointment to public office would not deter her from standing by the family, while urging all parties to allow the inquest to proceed without interference.
“As a mother of six and a member of society, I will always oppose oppression. This goes beyond the Justice for Zara case,” she said.
She also dismissed claims linking her to a gold-related scam, saying she was a victim rather than an agent and had consistently cooperated with authorities.
