KOTA KINABALU: The family of 13-year-old Zara Qairina, whose death at a hostel is now the subject of an inquest, has launched a special fund to help cover logistical costs for the proceedings.
The fund, established in collaboration with Pertubuhan Kebajikan Bayu Raudhah Sabah, aims to support expenses such as travel and accommodation for witnesses required to attend court.
Family lawyer Mohd Sharulnizam Mohd Salleh stressed that the fund was not meant for legal fees.
"All counsel in this case are serving pro bono. The fund is solely to ensure the inquest runs smoothly and that key witnesses can be present," he told reporters outside the court house on Tuesday (Sept 9) after the proceeding.
The fund is jointly managed by the family and the non-governmental organisation to ensure transparency.
At Tuesday’s hearing, two doctors from Queen Elizabeth Hospital who treated Zara Qairina gave evidence, followed by testimony from Inspector Maidon Bernandus of the Kepayan Police Headquarters’ Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation Division.
Maidon’s testimony included details of a mannequin simulation to reconstruct Zara Qairina’s fall.
His evidence will continue when the inquest resumes on Wednesday (Sept 10).
Sharulnizam said the legal team decided to reserve some of their questions for Maidon until Wednesday as time was limited.
"Tomorrow’s session will also only run for half a day, so we will continue with his testimony in the morning.
"On whether the family’s legal team is satisfied with today’s proceedings, I can say that we are. What is important is that the hearing is conducted in a respectful manner and that all witness evidence is properly recorded by the conducting officer," he said.
Now that the inquest has reached its fifth witness, Sharulnizam said they expect to obtain more details through continued questioning and upcoming testimonies.
He also reminded the public not to jump to conclusions.
"We must not judge this matter from the surface, but carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. This is a formal inquiry that will run over several weeks, with further hearings depending on developments.
"As I have stressed before, we must be cautious with our comments, especially regarding the parents. This is not a hypothetical situation, it involves the loss of a young life, which must be investigated thoroughly and respectfully," he said.
Commenting on Tuesday’s forensic evidence, Sharulnizam noted that the Inspector’s mannequin test was consistent with the only photograph of Zara Qairina taken when she was found.
"Further details will be explored when proceedings continue," he added.
