Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has assured that the investigation into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir will be conducted with full transparency and without compromise.
The Prime Minister emphasized that while the case must be taken seriously, the public should refrain from politicizing it or engaging in speculation that could lead to slander. He acknowledged that some have linked the 13-year-old’s death to prominent figures, but reiterated that the investigation will proceed with complete impartiality.
“We are not taking this lightly, and our directive is clear: there will be no compromise,” Anwar stated. “People are making all sorts of claims, linking her to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri or a minister—that is all hearsay. I don’t care, but do not slander. As the Malay proverb says, ‘Don’t build a palace over someone’s grave.’ This is a matter of life and death, and it doesn’t matter if the child is poor or rich; this is not a game. Even if it were my own family, I would want to know the cause.
I have instructed the Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department director,M. Kumar, to personally monitor the case to prevent any issues. This is a Madani government, and we do not protect anyone guilty of wrongdoing.”
Speaking at the “Rancakkan Madani Kelantan” program at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Health Campus, Anwar also stated that he had no reservations about any revelations that might emerge from the post-mortem.
Yesterday, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) ordered authorities to exhume the deceased’s grave for a comprehensive post-mortem. This was among several instructions issued after an initial police report was reviewed, with the AGC determining that further investigation was necessary to thoroughly examine all aspects of the case.
Zara, who was reportedly found unconscious after a fall from a dormitory building at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan in Sabah, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI) on July 17. Her family had requested an inquest to determine if any criminal elements were involved in her death. The exhumation of her remains is expected to take place today.
