KOTA KINABALU: Istana Seri Kinabalu has denied claims that the state governor’s family was involved in the recent death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir at SMA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar.
In a statement, Istana Seri Kinabalu denied the claims circulating on various social media platforms, calling them baseless, irresponsible and defamatory to the Head of State’s family.
The statement warned the public against spreading unverified and slanderous information which could harm reputations.
It also reminded the public that sharing false information may be subject to legal action under existing laws, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“Any updates related to the investigation should be referred to the Royal Malaysia Police or the Ministry of Education to avoid confusion and misunderstanding among the public,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the police have recorded the statements of 61 people, including students and teachers, in connection with the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina.
He said they were also investigating claims of bullying, which could have caused the student’s death.
“The investigations will take time as everything has to be done thoroughly, professionally, sensitively and properly with the help of counsellors.
“We are exploring all angles, including the circumstances leading to the girl’s fall from her hostel building at SMA Tun Datu Mustafa in Papar on July 16,” he told reporters after the Sabah Warriors’ Day celebration yesterday.
He said the investigations were being conducted carefully as traumatised students were involved.
However, he added, allegations that those implicated in this case included children of a state assemblyman and VVIPs, including himself, were unfounded.
Meanwhile, Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin said the incident had raised concerns 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 has also led the public to wonder whether the systems meant to protect children are functioning as they should,” he said in a statement.
Mohamed Nazim said the association is aware that the family has appointed legal counsel, and that they 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 added.
SLS extended its condolences to the family of Zara Qairina, who died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here a day after she was found unconscious in a drain at her school hostel.
