A Sabah-based charity organisation has affirmed that funds in the “Justice for Zara” campaign were managed with full transparency and accountability.
This came amid criticisms over Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli’s appointment.
Marhamah, who made her debut at the executive stage via her inclusion in the revised cabinet line-up, had previously courted backlash, with certain quarters pointing to her involvement in raising funds for the “Justice for Zara” campaign.
Charity organisation Bayu Raudhah Sabah’s secretary, Sitti Fhaizah Mukthar, however, said all funds collected for the campaign were carefully recorded and used only for established purposes, including documentation costs, expert services, logistics, accommodations, and operational needs.
“Every expenditure is supported with receipts and official documents to ensure full accountability,” Bernama quoted Sitti as saying in a statement today.
Citing a brief report on the funds, she added that the fundraising exercise conducted from Sept 8 to 12 recorded total collections of RM255,016.27, with expenditures amounting to RM162,155.87, while the current balance as of Dec 18 stood at RM94,096.97.
On Dec 17, Marhamah said as of that morning, the fund had collected RM254,995.92, with a remaining balance of RM96,059.97 after expenses.
Sitti further noted today that expenditures included expert and professional consultation costs totalling RM82,747.35, followed by logistics and travel amounting to RM40,435.54, and accommodation costs of RM22,119.28.
According to her, spending on documentation and communication was recorded at RM12,497, meeting and operational requirements at RM4,135.70, as well as administrative charges and costs amounting to RM221.
She explained that the fund is managed through a dedicated account under the organisation’s name, in line with principles of transparency, accountability and good financial governance.
She added that all information and financial records of the fund have been disclosed to the relevant authorities.
Gold scam allegations
Marhamah was reportedly among the earliest individuals to provide support to Noraidah Lamat following the death of her daughter, Zara Qairina Mahathir, a student at a religious secondary school in Papar, who was confirmed dead on July 17 following alleged bullying.
Previously, Marhamah clarified that while she had initiated the “Justice for Zara” movement, the fund account was fully segregated and not merged with any other accounts belonging to NGOs she had previously chaired.
Instead, it has its own authorised signatories, including Zara’s mother, several lawyers, and an NGO committee, Marhamah told reporters after being sworn in as a deputy minister at Istana Negara recently.
The welfare and community activist also denied allegations circulating on social media which linked her to a gold-related scam, saying she was instead a victim who had been deceived and betrayed in the matter.
Marhamah’s uncle, former PKR leader and Islamic preacher Badrulamin Bahron, came to his niece’s defence following doubts levelled at her and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over her inclusion in the federal administration.
Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil has also said that Marhamah’s response to criticisms against her appointment is “comprehensive” and “sufficient”. - Mkini
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