Jakim issues ‘advisories’ to deputy minister after New Age claims

 The department says Marhamah Rosli was asked to clarify the issue, which involves content she published in 2019.

Deputy religious affairs minister Marhamah Rosli has denied claims she promoted New Age teachings, witchcraft, magic, or the use of charms. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Islamic development department (Jakim) has issued deputy religious affairs minister Marhamah Rosli with an advisory after content she published in 2019 was linked to New Age movements.

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

Sirajuddin said 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.

“Following the meeting, several reprimands, advisories and guidelines were given, including over the content of programmes that had been carried out and the approaches used,” he said in a statement.

He said this was to ensure any content that could cause confusion to Muslims about fundamental Islamic beliefs was corrected, adding that programmes must always be based on recognised Islamic disciplines.

The controversy was partly sparked by a recirculated screenshot of a Facebook post published by Marhamah in September 2019.

The deputy minister has strongly denied claims she promoted New Age teachings, witchcraft, magic, or the use of charms.

On Sept 18, her office gave those spreading the allegations 24 hours to remove the claims and issue a public apology, failing which legal action could be considered. - FMT