KUALA LUMPUR — Penceramah agama Marhamah Rosli has been formally sworn in as a Senator and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), marking her first major appointment in the federal government as part of the MADANI administration’s recent Cabinet reshuffle.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Dewan Negara, where Marhamah Rosli took her oath before Senate president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah. Her senatorial term, which supports her role as a deputy minister, is effective immediately and is scheduled to continue until 15 December 2028 in accordance with constitutional provision.
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the broader Cabinet realignment on 16 December 2025, involving 10 new ministers and 18 deputy ministers across key ministries. Marhamah’s appointment places her alongside the newly appointed Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Role and Background
Marhamah Rosli is widely recognized in Malaysia as a religious speaker and community figure. She gained visibility through her involvement with social and faith-based initiatives, particularly through the #JusticeForZara movement related to the inquest of a young girl’s death, which captured national attention. Her selection for a ministerial position reflects both her public profile and the government’s intent to engage religious voices in policymaking.
As Deputy Minister, Marhamah will work closely with Dr Zulkifli to steer the government’s agenda on issues relating to religious affairs, including interfaith outreach, religious education programs, and updates to policies affecting Muslim communities. Analysts say her appointment is intended to bring a “grassroots perspective” to discussions involving community and faith-based stakeholders.
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Reshuffle Sparks Mixed Reactions
The announcement has generated wide public discussion. Some observers herald the move as a bold choice aimed at broadening representation and bringing fresh voices into federal leadership. However, not all responses have been positive.
Political figures have weighed in. Former PKR leader and preacher Badrulamin Bahron, who is also Marhamah’s uncle, publicly defended her selection against online criticism, stressing that funds raised for the Justice for Zara cause were properly audited and legitimate. He urged commentators to judge her appointment fairly. Scoop
Conversely, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has called for careful handling of public sentiment surrounding both Marhamah’s appointment and that of other deputy ministers such as Adam Adli Abd Halim, suggesting that political and social sensitivities must be navigated with care in the coming weeks.
Government Response and Future Outlook
The MADANI government has defended the reshuffle, describing it as a strategic effort to enhance ministry effectiveness and strengthen policy delivery across sectors, including religious affairs, economy, and federal administration. Officials have emphasized that new appointments, including Marhamah Rosli, are selected based on a blend of expertise, leadership potential, and public engagement.
With her new responsibilities, Marhamah Rosli will be expected to help shepherd ongoing initiatives within the Prime Minister’s Department, particularly those affecting religious harmony and community development.
As her term progresses, stakeholders — ranging from civil society organisations to political analysts — will be closely watching how her role influences both religious policy and broader government priorities under the MADANI framework.
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