KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution has confirmed that investigations into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir revealed elements of bullying, neglect and sexual harassment.
“Yes, I want to state here clearly that there were indeed elements of bullying. That is clear.
“There were also elements of neglect, as Zara had lodged complaints with the school, and there were also elements of sexual harassment, which are being investigated,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 18).
Saifuddin stressed that allegations suggesting the case was being covered up or manipulated were “serious accusations” that did not reflect the actual process of investigation.
“All of Zara’s experiences at the hostel, as written in her diary and shared, have been investigated by the police.
“That is why there must not be any attempt to conceal the truth, because schools are supposed to be safe spaces for our children,” he said.
He reminded school administrations that any similar incidents must be brought forward and addressed promptly.
He also confirmed that the investigation papers have already been handed over to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for further direction.
“This morning, the police submitted the completed investigation papers to the Attorney General.
“It is now up to the Attorney General to decide whether the evidence gathered is sufficient for the next course of action,” Saifuddin told the Dewan Rakyat.
Saifuddin said the police investigation was thorough, involving statements from 195 witnesses since the teenager was found unconscious near her dormitory drain on July 16.
He said the case would also be examined through a coroner’s inquest in Kota Kinabalu beginning Sept 3.
He stressed that police had also examined Zara’s diary, a 51-page document handed over by a teacher, which contained her personal accounts of the struggles and issues she faced.
“The diary was a crucial part of the probe, complementing witness testimonies from friends who shared the same dormitory.
“All of this formed part of the comprehensive investigation now before the Attorney General,” he said.
Saifuddin rejected claims that there was an effort to suppress the case, pointing out that while there were procedural lapses by initial investigating officers, these did not compromise the overall integrity of the probe, especially after Bukit Aman’s federal team took over.
“There is no cover-up. Every step was carried out according to standard operating procedures.
“Allegations that the authorities tried to hide or manipulate this case are baseless,” he added.
The Home Minister said the authorities acted swiftly at each stage, from medical response to the decision to exhume Zara’s remains for a second post-mortem after her mother raised concerns about bruises on the body.
“Every step, including the exhumation and autopsy, was carried out transparently with the presence of the magistrate, the mother, the family’s lawyers and forensic experts,” Saifuddin said.
He stressed that the government’s priority is to “seek the truth and deliver justice for Zara,” assuring that no one will be shielded regardless of status, title or position.
