PM: No immunity in Zara's death probe

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Anwar speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2025.
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 3): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declared that no individual implicated in the death of 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir will receive protection, regardless of rank or title.
He has directed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure the probe is conducted swiftly and comprehensively.
'There was a death recently, and the Education Minister (Fadhlina Sidek) is being attacked and accused of various things. What has become of our country? This death is not a trivial matter,' he said during his speech at the closing ceremony of the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2025 here on Sunday.
Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and his deputy Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.
Anwar also reminded the public not to make speculations or accusations without evidence, emphasising that Malaysia is a nation founded on the rule of law.
'This is a nation of law, not slander. Whoever is involved in a criminal act such as murder will not be protected,' Anwar said.
'Death is not something to be taken lightly. Even if there is a child of a poor farmer from Kundasang, if there is a death, it would be our responsibility to find out the cause.'
Anwar said that whoever are involved in murders and crimes — a Tan Sri, a Datuk Seri or a minister — they will not be given any protection.
'But do not slander others, whether it's a minister's child or deputy prime minister's child. What is happening with this slander without proof?'
Zara Qairina, 13, was believed to have fallen from the third floor and was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, at 4 am on July 16.
She was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital here on July 17. The student's death quickly went viral, sparking widespread public reaction on social media.
On Saturday, Mohd Khalid said the investigation paper regarding Zara Qairina's death had been completed and would be submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers for further action.
Police have recorded statements from 60 witnesses, including students and staff of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan, and three individuals nicknamed 'Kak Wana,' 'Kak Dedeng,' and 'Tomboi' who were cited in social media rumors.
The probe focuses on two angles: the cause of death (including possible bullying) and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigation papers are now with Bukit Aman for review before submission to the Attorney General's Chambers.
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Musa Aman, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mustapha Sakmud, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Ali and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun have refuted claims of their families' involvement of the case.
Zara's mother, Noraidah Lamat, has distanced herself from viral claims linking her daughter's death to VIPs.
Her lawyers clarified she 'never mentioned any high-profile individual' and urged the public to stop spreading unverified allegations .
Police confirmed no evidence ties VIPs to the case.