PUTRAJAYA: Truth and justice in the case involving Zara Qairina Mahathir must be pursued strictly within the law and not through speculation on social media, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said while rumours continued to circulate, the investigation had been conducted transparently, with no attempt to cover up any details.
"The pursuit of truth and justice must be based on the law. It cannot depend on what is said outside or on social media platforms."
"Let me state clearly, there is no element of cover-up whatsoever. Every step taken has followed the law and standard operating procedures," he said at his minister’s monthly assembly here on Wednesday (Aug 20).
He acknowledged that the police were under pressure but insisted that due process must be respected.
Saifuddin also said a post-mortem was conducted by four medical specialists, and the findings had been shared with the family and investigators.
"If there were mistakes, such as missing evidence, those responsible must take accountability.
"Bukit Aman has already addressed this," he said.
The minister also warned against attempts to politicise the tragedy.
"We cannot ride on the grief of others for political mileage. This involves the death of an only child — a family’s sadness should not be manipulated," he said.
Saifuddin stressed that the police had completed their investigation and the matter was now with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
"The Constitution is clear: it is up to the AG to prosecute or not to prosecute, based on the investigation papers," he said.
On Monday (Aug 18), Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed that the five minors would be charged in the Kota Kinabalu Children's Court under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, while the Kota Kinabalu Coroner's Court set Sept 3 to commence the inquest proceedings into Zara Qairina's death.
