KOTA KINABALU: Residents of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha’s dormitory in Papar are now required to recite prayers before lights out each night, a routine introduced following the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, in July.
Previously, wardens would simply announce "lights out" at 11pm.
Chief warden Azhari Abdul Sagap, 31, said the practice has since been replaced with nightly prayers to help foster a stronger sense of guidance and reflection among students.
Azhari revealed this while testifying at the Coroner’s Court on Thursday (Sept 18), where he also defended the school’s handling of earlier allegations that Zara Qairina had been bullied.
He became emotional as he denied accusations that teachers or administrators had attempted to cover up details of the case.
He stressed that all information, including audio recordings that went viral on social media, had been handed to police.
"If we had wanted to protect anyone, why would we share the recordings?
"I myself called the ambulance, stayed at the hospital, and even attended the burial.
"There was nothing we hid," he told the court.
Azhari also addressed claims linking two other students to the case.
He said the allegations that "Kak M" and another student nicknamed "Tomboy" had bullied Zara were inaccurate.
He explained that an incident in May involving "Kak M" was investigated by the school and reported to police.
However, no formal complaint had been lodged by Zara Qairina or her mother.
As for "Tomboy", he said the student was in Perlis for a school programme at the time of Zara Qairina’s fall, despite her name being widely circulated online.
Zara Qairina was found unconscious in a drain beside her hostel in the early hours of July 16 and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital from her injuries.
The inquest before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan continues Friday (Sept 19), with lawyers expected to resume questioning of Azhari and examine further evidence, including Zara Qairina’s personal writings.
