KOTA KINABALU: The death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who died from an apparent fall from her third floor school hostel at a religious school in Papar, is raising questions about the safety of children at schools.
Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin said that the incident that has shaken the state and nation while raising disturbing questions surrounding school safety as Zara Qairina's death did not occur in a vacuum.
"It has raised questions of school safety, student welfare and institutional response. It also led the public to wonder whether the systems meant to protect children are functioning as they should," he said in a statement on Thursday (July 31).
“The Sabah Law Society is aware that the family has appointed legal counsel, and we fully respect their right to pursue justice through lawful means.
"We are also monitoring the progress of this case closely and will continue to do so.
“Our stand is clear: This case must not be swept under the rug and it must not be forgotten," he said.
SLS extended their condolences to the family of Zara Qairina who died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here a day after she was found unconscious at a drain along her school hostel on June 16.
Mohamed said that SLS was calling for a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation.
"Every relevant fact must be brought to light, and all procedures reviewed with honesty and care.
"Where improvements are needed, they must be identified and acted upon in the spirit of responsibility and reform. This is not about blame — it is about ensuring no child is left vulnerable," he said.
"We urge all institutions involved to respond with courage and integrity. There must be no room for defensiveness, silence, or delay when a child has died under suspicious circumstances,” he added.
Sabah police had earlier today said that they had recorded 60 statements of witnesses including three students widely accused in social media of alleged bullying at the religious school in Papar.
State police have yet to rule out any possibility including bullying and sought Bukit Aman's expertise to assess the various elements in their investigations into the case.
