KOTA KINABALU: The Attorney-General’s Chambers' (AGC) order for an inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir is a step towards truth and accountability, the Sabah Law Society (SLS) says.
Its president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin in welcoming the AGC’s decision, said the SLS will closely monitor the inquest and any subsequent legal proceedings in the public interest.
“We stand ready to engage with relevant stakeholders in Sabah to ensure that this tragedy leads to meaningful reforms in safeguarding children from harm,” he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 15).
He noted the recent statement issued by the legal team representing Zara’s family calling for the AGC to consider prosecution under the newly introduced anti-bullying provisions, where supported by evidence.
“An inquest is an independent judicial process that will examine the cause and circumstances of death, determine whether any criminal elements were involved, and ensure that all relevant facts are brought to light,” said Mohamed.
The findings of the inquest will form the basis for the AGC to decide whether prosecutions should be initiated, he said.
“We remind the public that whether or not prosecutions follow will ultimately depend on these
findings and the sufficiency of evidence in law,” he said, adding that this sequence was essential to preserve the integrity of the justice process.
“We would like to remind everyone that bullying, whether physical, verbal, psychological, or online, has no place in any environment, least of all in schools,” Mohamed said.
He said the recent amendments to the Penal Code (Sections 507B–G) represent a critical step forward in combating bullying, criminalising a range of abusive behaviours and imposing serious penalties where they cause harm, including attempted or completed suicide.
However, he said this legislative change must be matched by consistent enforcement, effective preventive measures, and a cultural and paradigm shift in how institutions address complaints.
Mohamed said the SLS, through its Community Empowerment and Protection Subcommittee
which leads their initiatives on bullying prevention and response, was firm on its commitment to work with all stakeholders in Sabah to create safer educational environments.
“Our commitment is clear - justice must be done, and it must be seen to be done because when our children are not safe. Nothing else matters,” he stated.
