PETALING JAYA: A 61-year-old man has been arrested in Semporna, Sabah, for allegedly threatening forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu on social media following her testimony in the inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
The case has prompted stern warnings from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) against intimidating witnesses and medical experts.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said the suspect was nabbed in Semporna at around 7am at the Semporna police station compound. Also seized was a mobile phone.
He said the suspect was believed to be behind the Facebook account which had hurled threats towards the forensic pathologist from Hospital Queen Elizabeth.
Jauteh advised the public to exercise caution when posting on social media platforms and to act responsibly instead of issuing statements which could cause public unrest.
“Think before posting anything that may go against the law. Police will not hesitate to take action against those who violate the law,” he said.
On Friday, Dr Hiu had lodged a police report about the alleged online threats.
She had testified in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina, and was informed by the Hospital Queen Elizabeth director about the online threats following her two-day testimony.
In Kota Baru, the attorney general has called on the public to respect ongoing judicial processes, including the inquest.
Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar stressed that the department will not tolerate any threats or comments that could intimidate witnesses.
“We will not hesitate to take stern action against any party who interferes with the judicial process, including the intimidation of witnesses or the making of threats,” he said.
“The AGC also views gravely the actions taken against the witness in the Zara Qairina inquest, Dr Jessie Hiu, as her testimony is crucial in assisting the Coroner’s Court to reach a just decision and deliver justice for all parties involved.
“Therefore, any form of threat, negative action or behaviour that could endanger the lives of witnesses will not be taken lightly,” he told reporters after an event at SK Long Gafar.
Zara Qairina died on July 17 at Hospital Queen Elizabeth, where she had been admitted a day earlier after being found unconscious in a drain near her school hostel in Papar at 4am.
The AGC ordered her remains exhumed for a post-mortem on Aug 8, before announcing a formal inquest into her death on Aug 13.
Meanwhile, MMA president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira called upon the authorities to investigate and hold accountable those who threatened Dr Hiu.
“It is important that all doctors are able to conduct their duties in a safe and respectful environment without fear, threats, insults or intimidation.
“We urge the Health Ministry and concerned authorities to take swift action and effective measures to ensure the safety of Dr Hiu and all other healthcare workers who may be affected similarly,” he said.
