Kuala lumpur: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli has stressed that no funds were misused in the management of the Justice for Zara fund, which was set up to cover costs related to the inquest proceedings.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, as an activist who initiated the Justice for Zara movement, Marhamah stated that the fund account was completely segregated and not merged with any other accounts belonging to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) she had previously chaired. The fund has its own authorised signatories, including Zara Qairina Mahathir's mother, Noraidah Lamat, several lawyers, and an NGO committee.
As of 9 am today, the fund had collected RM254,995.92, with a remaining balance of RM96,059.97 after expenses, including transportation and accommodation costs for expert witnesses as well as Zara Qairina's family throughout the preparation and conduct of the inquest. Marhamah explained that these expenses were necessary to cover the costs associated with the inquest process.
She shared these details with reporters after being sworn in as deputy minister at Istana Negara. Marhamah also mentioned that the fundraising exercise was permitted by the Chief Minister's Department and was notified to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in Sabah. A complete report up to November 2025 has been prepared, and she expressed readiness to submit all documentation for audit, acknowledging that the remaining funds might not suffice as the inquest is ongoing.
Marhamah was among the first to support Noraidah following the death of her daughter, Zara Qairina, a student at a religious secondary school in Papar, who passed away on July 17. Zara, a Form One student, was found unconscious beneath the school hostel building.
Marhamah urged all parties to allow the inquest process to continue without interference and reaffirmed her support for the family, despite her government role. She emphasized her opposition to oppression, stating that her commitment goes beyond the Justice for Zara case.
Addressing social media allegations linking her to a gold-related scam, Marhamah denied the claims, asserting that she was a victim in the matter and had cooperated fully with authorities whenever called upon.