Senator Marhamah Rosli has been urged to temporarily step aside from her duties as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) while allegations linking her to the New Age Movement (NAM) are investigated.
Amanah Youth executive committee member Fadhli Umar Aminolhuda said the temporary leave would help safeguard public confidence in religious institutions while allowing the investigation to be conducted independently, transparently and comprehensively.
He said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) had confirmed that a tabayyun session was held with Marhamah, involving the Federal Territories Mufti and an Aqidah Expert Panel, during which several concerns and guidance were raised.
“I take note of her denial of the allegations. However, matters involving aqidah and allegations related to deviant teachings cannot be taken lightly,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Jakim previously held the meeting and tabayyun session with Marhamah on Sunday following allegations linking her to the dissemination of practices involving witchcraft, sorcery, talismans and the New Age Movement.
On September 18, Marhamah reportedly gave those who published or circulated the allegations 24 hours to withdraw their statements.
She denied all the allegations and demanded that the parties involved stop spreading the information, issue an apology and publish an open correction.
Fadhli said the government should ensure the investigation was conducted independently and transparently to address concerns raised by the public.
He said Marhamah’s denial and all material being questioned should be thoroughly assessed by the relevant authorities without political pressure.
“I urge an independent and comprehensive investigation to be conducted until the findings are finalised, including the involvement of aqidah experts and authorised parties without any conflict of interest,” he said.
Fadhli stressed that his call for Marhamah to be temporarily relieved of her duties should not be interpreted as a finding that she had committed any wrongdoing.
Instead, he said, the measure would help avoid any perception of a conflict of interest while giving Marhamah space to respond to the allegations against her.
“If the allegations are unfounded, her name must be fully cleared. If any wrongdoing is found, appropriate action should be taken regardless of her position.
“The government must protect public confidence in religious institutions through firm, fair and transparent action,” he said.
