KOTA KINABALU: Downtown Padang Merdeka was a sea of black and torchlight as people gathered in solidarity at the Justice for Zara rally on Friday (Aug 15) night.
Supporters carried placards, banners and posters with anti‑bullying messages, calls for justice, and #JusticeForZara.
They gathered from around 6pm, and the crowd swelled at dusk.
Organisers called for justice, spoke about bullying, prayed for Zara Qairina Mahathir, and sang during the three‑hour rally.
Politicians including Sabah PKR chief and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud attempted to speak but were initially rejected.
Sabah Pakatan Harapan adviser Datuk Seri Christina Liew and Parti Warisan Youth chief Datuk Azis Jamman also tried to speak.
After persuasion, the organisers allowed brief remarks.
Liew said she attended as a citizen seeking justice for a 13‑year‑old whose life was cut short.
"We are together, irrespective of our social status or religious background, with one voice for the victim and others who suffered similar fates," she said.
"Tonight, I urge the authorities to ramp up efforts to combat bullying in schools," she said.
Speaking to reporters, Liew said authorities must move beyond reactive approaches and focus on prevention.
"Let us, as legislators, enforcers, activists, school authorities, parents, or educators, ensure safe schooling at all times.
"Perhaps a proactive child protection policy can enable teachers and wardens to anticipate and prevent danger. All of us do not want a recurrence of the horrifying incident that befell Zara," added Liew.
Earlier, Azis Jamman said vigils show a strong and growing demand for justice and added that justice delayed is justice denied.
When Mustapha spoke, he said that he forgave those who linked his family to the case and called for the culprits to be brought to justice.
"I came for Zara," Mustapha said.
Many called for a thorough investigation after Zara Qairina died on July 17, a day after being found unconscious below her hostel building.
Vigils were held across the state to demand justice for Zara, with more planned in the coming days.
Solidarity events were also held in Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Australia.
