KOTA KINABALU: Answers must be forthcoming and justice served in the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, says Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob.
He said the people will never stop crying out "Justice for Zara" as long as questions remain over the circumstances leading to her death, its cause, and if any third party is involved.
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“I do not want to make any assumptions or speculations, or accuse anyone of anything,” he said on Tuesday (Aug 12).
“But I am calling for the police to investigate with full professionalism according to SOPs to determine if there was foul play.
“I also ask that the school, state Education Department and Education Ministry present a report on the work SOPs, discipline and safety in schools and hostels,” he added.
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Zara Qairina was found unconscious after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of her school hostel building in Papar on July 16, and was declared dead a day later.
Investigators initially classified the case as sudden death, but developments indicated that she was a victim of bullying, resulting in calls to reopen the investigation.
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A nationwide #justiceforzara movement has arisen, with rallies in multiple districts and states over the past week.
The Attorney General’s Chambers subsequently instructed that Zara Qairina's body be exhumed and an autopsy conducted.
During the examination, investigators reportedly found bruises on her body.
