Academic shaming: “How can a Grade C STAM scorer become Religious Affairs Deputy Minister?”

 

DETRACTORS who want Religious Affairs Deputy Minister Marhamah Rosli’s head to roll over her alleged involvement in the deviant New Age Movement have gone as far as to dig up her 23-year-old Malaysia Higher Religious Certificate a.k.a. STAM to dispute her ministerial portfolio.

Describing her 2003 academic results as disgraceful, Facebooker Keranda Ghulat who is fond of making explosive exposés has demanded the former independent preacher to step down.

“I was absolutely shocked to see YB Marhamah Rosli’s Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) results,” penned the poster.

With results like these, one would barely make the cut even when applying to become a KAFA (Religious and Fardu Ain Class) religious teacher.

Yet, she was suddenly appointed as the Religious Affairs Deputy Minister. That’s not even taking into account the issues regarding akidah (faith) and the New Age concepts that have been raised.

Editor’s Note: Marhamah was made a deputy minister on Dec 16 last year after the Sabahan was sworn in as a senator following the second Madani government reshuffle.

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) had on Sunday (Sept 27) issued Marhamah with an advisory after content she published in 2019 was linked to afore-mentioned New Age Movement.

JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said this involved content and methods Marhamah previously used which prompted questions from the public.

In fact, Marhamah had been called in to explain the matter with the meeting joined by the Federal Territories mufti, a JAKIM panel of experts and other authorities.

Despite her so-called poor STAM results, her academic profile on the Malay language Wikipedia revealed that she holds a Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) (2006-2010).

Moreover, she has earlier obtained a law & syariah diploma from the Sultan Zainal Abidin Religious College (KUSZA) (2003-2006) as well as having attended an Arabic language course at the University of Science and Technology in Sana’a, Yemen (2008)

Above all else, Marhamah holds accreditation to teach religious studies and the Quran in Sabah and similar special accreditation in Selangor and the Federal Territories.

Beyond shaming

A browse at the comment section reveals that most of her critics, including the poster, come from the pro-Opposition faction which may have an axe to grind with the Madani government.

“It really seems like the requirement for becoming a minister or deputy these days is picking those who used to sit at the back of the class ,” chided one commenter.

“Netizens have really exposed her (Marhamah). She certainly didn’t deserve it anyway,” jibed another with one commenter taking a pot shot at Madani backers who used to mock hardcore PAS followers for “getting duped by turban-wearing lebai (religious figure)”.

“Now, the Madani crowd is getting duped by someone wearing a long tudung .”

This is when one Madani backers defended Marhamah that her 2003 STAM results is not a true reflection of her current credential given she has moved on to acquire higher academic knowledge.

I feel sorry for those PAS diehards.

If you want to criticise, do so based on the full background, not just a single STAM result from 2003.

Yes, his STAM result was Jayyid (Grade C). However, she has subsequently pursued a Diploma in Law and Syariah at KUSZA, followed by a law degree at IIU in addition to gaining experience in dakwah (religious outreach) and social activism.

So, don’t act as if that STAM Grade C is the only qualification she possesses.

Furthermore, the position of Deputy Minister is not one that requires a specific grade in the STAM examination.

Don’t use an exam result from 23 years ago as a weapon to pass judgment on a person’s entire character.

If there’re issues regarding akidah (faith) or other allegations, present evidence and verify the facts (tabayyun). Don’t rush to passing judgment based on mere perception.

Verify the facts first. Evaluate the full range of qualifications and experience. Only then should you argue your case. 

- Focus Malaysia