Marhamah Rosli: Risk or Opportunity for Madani?

On 16 December 2025, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a cabinet reshuffle that involved the reassignment of several ministers to different portfolios and the introduction of new faces. One of the most notable changes was the removal of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who was replaced by his deputy, Dr Zulkifli Hasan. To fill the vacancy left by Zulkifli Hasan, a figure widely regarded as controversial was appointed: Marhamah Rosli. To enable her appointment, Marhamah was first appointed as a senator on 16 December 2025. Her ministerial appointment — particularly significant given her prominence in Sabah — came in the wake of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) poor performance in the Sabah state elections in November 2025.

Although Marhamah is a well-known influencer, activist and religious figure, the responsibilities of being a deputy minister demand far more than public prominence. Administrative experience, managerial competence, and the ability to engage effectively in parliamentary debate — particularly in responding to pressure and scrutiny from the opposition in the Dewan Rakyat — will ultimately determine the true measure of her performance in office.

Marhamah’s appointment was immediately questioned following the announcement of the new cabinet lineup. Public criticism centred primarily on her integrity as a fundraiser for the #JusticeForZara movement, alongside allegations concerning her past involvement in a gold investment scheme and her admitting to having debts amounting to RM14 million (US$3.45 million). The #JusticeForZara movement gained widespread attention in Malaysia towards end-2025 following the sudden and mysterious death of a religious school student, Zara Qairina Mahathir, in Sabah. The movement became a major national phenomenon amid allegations implicating certain members of elite families; Marhamah was among the prominent figures associated with this movement.

As Marhamah is an ustazah whose prominence increased rapidly through her association with #JusticeForZara, this development has caused unease within Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah). Amanah is one of the PH component parties forming the Unity Government under Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership. Further scepticism has emerged over claims that Marhamah’s appointment reflected bias towards Anwar Ibrahim’s long-standing associates, particularly figures within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). These suspicions were reinforced by a congratulatory message from Dr Badrul Amin Bahron, a former PKR leader in Sabah, who is Marhamah’s uncle.

Anwar Ibrahim may think that Marhamah’s skills as an influencer and activist will help shape Muslim public perceptions of his administration.

Questions regarding Marhamah’s credibility were amplified by claims that she lacks formal educational training in Islamic studies and a serious allegation that her preaching incorporates elements associated with New Age spirituality. Members of the public have resurfaced past recordings of her religious talks in which she reportedly emphasised concepts such as “feeling is prayer”. Critics argue that such ideas lack grounding in Islamic jurisprudence and orthodoxy. In recent years, New Age-inspired religious approaches have attracted heightened scrutiny from Malaysia’s religious authorities.

In response, Marhamah swiftly addressed these online criticisms, asserting that funds collected for the #JusticeForZara movement were managed transparently. Dr Badrul Amin publicly intervened to clarify various allegations, including the claims of fraud linked to the gold investment scheme, claiming that Marhamah was herself a victim of a syndicate and had fully cooperated with police investigations. Allegations of New Age influences were denied, with Dr Badrul Amin emphasising that Marhamah’s dakwah activities were firmly rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. In addition, several netizens said they studied alongside Marhamah at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Over time, public criticism of Marhamah Rosli appeared to subside. Amanah subsequently softened its criticism, with senior party leaders stressing that cabinet appointments were the prime minister’s prerogative. Noraidah Lamat, Zara Qairina’s mother, welcomed Marhamah’s appointment and rejected claims of financial impropriety linked to the #JusticeForZara movement. Recordings of her online lectures have begun to attract increased attention, propelling her into prominence as a new celebrity preacher comparable to other well-known Malaysian female religious figures. People’s past experiences of attending her programmes, such as Detox Hati, Tahsin al-Fatihah, Tips Kejayaan dari al-Fatihah, and Soul to Soul, were shared and discussed.

Thus, Marhamah’s popularity has surged following her appointment, ironically reinforced by the controversies surrounding her. Some commentators even praised her appointment as emblematic of a commitment to justice. Nevertheless, Marhamah’s elevation remains subject to public scrutiny. Her prior experience may not necessarily translate into effective leadership at the ministerial level, particularly in supporting the work of Zulkifli Hasan.

Islamic Religious Affairs is a sector that receives substantial government funding in each of Malaysia’s annual budgets, especially in efforts to strengthen Islamic education. Marhamah’s influence and popularity will be insufficient to manage a ministry with a large bureaucratic apparatus. Furthermore, it is frequently exposed to public criticism due to the sensitive nature of religious governance.

Anwar Ibrahim may think that Marhamah’s skills as an influencer and activist will help shape Muslim public perceptions of his administration. His decision risks political backlash, yet may represent an unexpected, bold move. The Madani government under Anwar Ibrahim has perhaps, in a creative and unforeseen manner, leveraged an activist’s sudden popularity to manage and influence public perceptions of the government.

2026/15