PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man rejected Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Marhamah Rosli’s position that she should resign only if a court proves she had led people astray.

He said the issue was not whether Marhamah (above) had personally taught deviant teachings, but whether she had expressed support or positive views towards the New Age Movement, despite a fatwa prohibiting it.

“She does not have to become a teacher of deviant teachings before resigning... It is not about whether she teaches deviant teachings.

“For us, the question is the extent to which those statements are seen as contradictory.

“And this is proven by the fact that she was called in by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim). Jakim advised her,” Tuan Ibrahim (below) said during a press conference after attending the Kolej Universiti Islam Zulkifli Muhammad graduation ceremony in Batu Caves, Gombak, today.

The Kubang Kerian MP was responding to Marhamah’s statement on Thursday that she would only step down if it was proven that she had misled people.

“Prove it in court,” Marhamah said after officiating the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) 2026 Hi-Tea with Friends of Waqf programme.

Last Monday, Sabah PAS called on Marhamah to resign if religious authorities confirmed that she was involved in or supported New Age teachings.

Jakim also held a clarification session with Marhamah following allegations linking her to the promotion of shamanism, witchcraft, amulets, and New Age teachings.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | What is the New Age Movement linked to the deputy religious minister?

Tuan Ibrahim said the issue warranted scrutiny because Marhamah, as deputy religious affairs minister, had a responsibility to set an example on religious matters.

“I think the best thing, rather than challenging it, is to acknowledge it, apologise, withdraw it, and correct it. For me, that would be enough,” he added.

PAS denies neglecting Hasmah’s family

Separately, Tuan Ibrahim denied that the absence of several senior PAS leaders during final respects for Dr Hasmah Ali meant the party deliberately snubbed the family of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said many party leaders had prior commitments, while Hasmah’s death in the morning and burial on the same day meant some could not attend in time.

“I myself was involved with the sultan in Kelantan, together with the menteri besar. One of our leaders was overseas.

“So, their absence was because there were programmes that simply could not be avoided,” he explained.

Tuan Ibrahim said the party nevertheless sent representatives to visit the family, including the PAS Women chief and other leaders, while some also attended a tahlil at the family home.

“For me, it is like when one’s own father dies. Sometimes even the children are not there because it happens suddenly.

“We cannot wait too long because once someone dies, the funeral arrangements have to be carried out promptly. Those who make it, make it. Those who do not, do not,” he said.

He added that PAS had conveyed its condolences and prayers for Hasmah.

“What is important is that we pray together. May the deceased be granted mercy and placed among Allah’s righteous servants,” he said.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari also denied the party neglected Mahathir’s family, saying a PAS Women's delegation had visited them.

Hasmah died at the National Heart Institute on Sept 28 at the age of 100 and was laid to rest at the National Mausoleum later that day.

KINIGUIDE | What is the New Age Movement linked to the deputy religious minister?

KINIGUIDE | What is the New Age Movement linked to the deputy religious minister?

Deputy religious minister denies New Age Movement link

Deputy religious minister denies New Age Movement link