Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said elements of bullying, negligence and sexual harassment are among the lines of inquiry in the police investigation into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he noted that any decision to prosecute rests with the Attorney-General. “At the same time, an inquest is the best platform because it allows all parties to be transparent, clear and open. We want to establish the truth and, if there are perpetrators, bring them to justice,” he said.
Saifuddin also told Parliament that various claims surrounding the 13-year-old’s death were found to be unfounded after a thorough probe. “At that time, several claims surfaced — that the person involved was the grandchild of the Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, that the principal was a minister’s wife, as well as assertions about the manner of death and of abuse,” he said.
According to him, police dismissed all of these claims after recording statements from 195 witnesses. In addition, 21 investigation papers have been opened against individuals believed to have attempted to exploit the case for personal gain. “The investigation has now been expanded to include those found trying to manipulate this issue to disrupt public order,” he added.
Addressing separate allegations, Saifuddin rejected claims of a cover-up or non-compliance with SOPs, stressing that the police investigation has been comprehensive and detailed.
“These claims are baseless. All parties must understand the integrity of the ongoing investigative process. The allegation that this case is being covered up or manipulated is very serious and does not reflect the authorities’ actions from the outset until now. The investigation even extends to Zara’s diary,” he said.
Defending the frontline responders, Saifuddin said a medical assistant from Kinarut Clinic arrived at 3.45am on 16 July to provide initial treatment, and Zara was still breathing at that time. Her mother, Noraidah Lamat, was contacted that morning without delay. At 4.27am, Zara was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (HQE), where doctors provided further treatment.
“The police did not delay handling the case. The First Information Report was lodged at 8am by a teacher,” he said, adding that her cause of death, confirmed later that morning, was severe brain injuries.
However, he acknowledged a procedural lapse when the investigating officer agreed to Noraidah’s request not to conduct a post-mortem. Internal action will be taken, he said.
Zara was found unconscious on 16 July and is believed to have fallen from the third floor of a dormitory building. She was pronounced dead the following day.
