‘I will resign when it's proven that I misled people’ – deputy minister

DEPUTY Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli has challenged those calling for her resignation to prove in court that she had misled the public.

Marhamah said she would only step down if it was proven that she had actually led people astray.

“I will resign only when it is proven that I really misled people and that there are people whom I led astray,” she told reporters after attending the Hi-Tea Bersama Sahabat Wakaf IKIM 2026 programme today.

“Prove it in court,” she added.

The calls for her resignation followed allegations linking Marhamah to the promotion of shamanistic practices, sorcery, amulets and the New Age Movement (NAM).

The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) has held a meeting and tabayyun session with Marhamah following the allegations.

Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee previously said the department had reprimanded and advised Marhamah after reviewing past programme content and approaches that could have implications for religious matters and faith.

Marhamah has denied being involved in or promoting NAM, maintaining that she adheres to the Sunni Islamic creed.

PAS Sabah had earlier called for her resignation if religious authorities confirmed that she was involved in or supported NAM. – October 1, 2026