KOTA KINABALU: It is unlikely that Zara Qairina Mahathir fall was accidental nor was she pushed out from the third-floor of her hostel, says forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu.
Dr Hiu, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital pathologist, expressed her opinion while giving evidence as the first witness before Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, who is acting as the coroner in the inquest into Zara's death.
ALSO READ: Zara Qairina inquest: Father had been left in limbo over daughter’s death, says lawyer
On Aug 2, Dr Hiu was asked to provide a professional opinion on the ante-mortem injuries suffered by Zara.
She stated that the hostel’s corridor railing was 118cm high, whereas Zara’s height was 154cm, placing the barrier above her centre of gravity.
"It is my opinion that it was virtually impossible for the 13-year-old to have toppled over without deliberately climbing onto the ledge.
"Based on the measurements, in my opinion, it is unlikely that the deceased accidentally fell or was pushed from a standing position next to the concrete railing along the corridor," she said while reading her witness statement.
Zara died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious on the ground floor of her hostel dormitory in Papar on July 16.
Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/ email sam@befrienders.org.my/ befrienders centres in malaysia).
