DEPUTY Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli says discussions with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Federal Territories Mufti Department found no dispute over her Islamic creed or involvement with the New Age Movement (NAM).
Marhamah said she met representatives of both religious authorities to explain concerns raised over allegations linking her to NAM and to seek their views on the matter.
“Following the issue raised, I have held a meeting to provide an explanation and seek views from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Federal Territories Mufti Department.
“Based on the meeting and explanation given, there is no dispute over my creed and I have no involvement whatsoever with NAM.
“The advice given concerned several of my old posts that required clarification, particularly regarding the sharing of content, involvement with certain individuals and the use of certain terms that were later associated with NAM,” she said in a statement today.
Marhamah said she remained committed to the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and rejected any teachings, beliefs, practices or approaches that contradicted Islamic shariah and creed.
She also addressed her links to several individuals whose names had been associated with NAM, saying she had no personal, teacher-student or collaborative relationship with Umar Paranorms in relation to any teaching or belief.
She said she shared one of his posts in 2019 in the context of personal development, but was unaware at the time of certain content or terminology that was subsequently associated with NAM.
“I also take seriously the act of combining or placing excerpts from my old posts alongside videos or other content that have no direct connection with the original posts, which could create a misleading impression about my beliefs,” she said.
Marhamah said she had attended an open programme by Afnan Rosli as a participant to gain knowledge related to personal development, but her association with him was limited to that.
She said she was also unaware at the time that certain content or terminology used at the programme would later be associated with NAM.
“My meeting with Ustaz Nasrullah was solely related to the promotion of a film and had nothing to do with NAM. At the time, I was unaware of the issues associated with him and NAM,” she said.
Marhamah said she disassociated herself from and rejected any practices, teachings or beliefs contrary to Islamic creed and shariah associated with all the individuals mentioned.
She added that interaction with individuals who were later linked to NAM did not, by itself, mean she shared their beliefs or was involved in the movement.
“I acknowledge that I used several terms in the past in the context of personal development without knowing that those terms would later be associated with NAM. I no longer use those terms.
“I accept every criticism and advice openly.
“As the Deputy Minister entrusted with the Religious Affairs portfolio, I am committed to ensuring that all my communication and approaches are guided by the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah and that I continue to refer to the relevant authorities on matters concerning religion,” she said.
Marhamah also apologised for any confusion or concern arising from her previous posts or use of certain terms.
The clarification followed reports that JAKIM had held a meeting and tabayyun session with Marhamah over allegations linking her to practices involving shamanism, sorcery, amulets and NAM teachings.
The issue gained attention after a Facebook user shared information about a programme allegedly linked to the Deputy Minister, claiming it contained elements of NAM.
On Sept 18, Marhamah gave 24 hours to parties that had published or circulated allegations linking her to such practices and NAM to withdraw the reports, stop disseminating them and issue a public apology and correction. - September 29, 2026
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