By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 17: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today has reminded Malaysians not to politicise or exploit the tragic death of teenager Zara Qairina Mahathir in Sabah, stressing that the case is already under federal investigation.
He said Bukit Aman police have taken over the probe after shortcomings were identified in the initial investigation in Sabah, while a post-mortem and forensic examination have also been carried out.
“The question now is whether there will be prosecution or not.
“As Malaysians, we must allow the police, the judiciary, and the Ministry of Health to complete their due process,” he told reporters in a doorstep interview after attending a local function in Kuching today. An audio recording of the interview was later shared to DayakDaily.
Fadillah warned against creating sentiments that could divide the nation or undermine trust in Malaysia’s key institutions.
“This is not good for any of us. The best way is not to take this opportunity to politicise the issue. Let the investigation be carried out transparently until a decision is made.
“If injustice is found, then we have the proper avenues to take fair and transparent action. The matter is already in progress,” he emphasised.
On July 16, 2025, 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, a Form 1 student at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, was found unconscious near a drain beneath her three-storey school dormitory in the early hours of the morning. She was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but succumbed to her injuries the next day.
Her death, initially classified as “sudden,” sparked public concern after her mother noticed bruises on her body during burial.
On Aug 3, she lodged a police report requesting exhumation and a post-mortem. The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) later ordered the exhumation, and an eight-hour post-mortem was carried out on Aug 9 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Following this, Bukit Aman took over the investigation and has since recorded more than 80 witness statements. A special task force is probing the case under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code for possible bullying. The AGC has also directed an inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding Zara’s death.
The incident has sparked widespread vigils and rallies across Sabah, with thousands gathering in towns including Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Labuan to demand justice.
Participants, many dressed in black or white, carried placards with slogans such as Justice for Zara and Stop Bullying.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor welcomed the AGC’s directive, while the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman called for the case to be investigated “without fear or favour,” stressing that no stone must be left unturned.
Public pressure has mounted for reforms in school safety and anti-bullying measures, while analysts caution that the handling of the case could influence voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming Sabah State Election. – DayakDaily
