KOTA KINABALU: A complete, impartial probe must be carried out by the authorities into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, says Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.
"The investigation must be conducted with the utmost diligence, without fear or favour and guided solely in the pursuit of truth and justice.
"No stone must be left unturned," Musa said in a statement released by Istana Seri Kinabalu here Monday (Aug 11).
Police are awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination on Zara, which took eight hours on Sunday at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, ending at 730pm.
"Seeking justice is not vengeance. It is the fulfilment of God's command to protect the weak and punish the wrongdoer," Musa added.
The Governor also urged the public, particularly social media users, not to engage in speculation, spread unfounded accusations, or promote conspiracy theories related to this case.
"Such actions not only risk jeopardising the integrity of the investigation but may also inflict further emotional distress on Zara's family.
"The public must allow the due process of law to take its course and stand in solidarity with the family as they seek answers and closure," he said in extending his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the grieving family during this difficult time.
The state will hold prayers for the late Zara on Thursday at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque in conjunction with mosques and surau throughout Sabah.
The statement said Istana Seri Kinabalu encourages all Muslims to join in this event and those of the non-Muslim faith to pray for Zara in their respective ways.
"The safety and well-being of our children must always remain our highest priority. May God grant us the courage to protect every other child so that no more innocent lives are lost unnecessarily," Musa said.
