KOTA KINABALU: The first child witness has testified at the Coroner’s Court in the inquest into Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death.
It is learnt that this student’s testimony, which started yesterday morning, would continue today.
Many questions were directed to the student from lawyers on both sides.
Throughout the inquest, no media coverage is allowed on the testimonies given by minors as they will be giving their statements on camera in accordance to the Evidence of Child Witness Act.
Under this Act, any publication of a child witness’ identity is strictly prohibited.
It also forbids the disclosure of any information in mass media or electronic platform.
The Act facilitates child witnesses in giving evidence and ensures their welfare.
As such, it does not permit their testimony to be made public.
Instead, it sets out rules on how such evidence is collected and presented in court.
Zara Qairina, a 13-year-old student, was found unconscious below her hostel in Papar on July 16. She died a day later.
Calls for an inquest arose when the public, including family members, urged the authorities to scrutinise the circumstances that led to her falling to her death.
Her tragic death sparked nationwide rallies and solidarity gatherings calling for justice for her.
The first child witness was supposed to testify last Friday but coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan postponed the proceeding when information about the child witnesses were leaked online.
He warned the public not to leak any documents so as to not disrupt the ongoing inquest.
A total of 35 child witnesses are expected to testify throughout this inquest. Each would be placed in separate rooms accompanied by a court interpreter and a guardian.
So far, about eight adult deponents have testified in the proceedings, while another 25 adults are expected to do so.
The inquest began on Sept 3 and is expected to end on Sept 30.
On a related matter, the five teenagers charged with hurling abusive words towards Zara Qairina would undergo their first pre-trial case management on Sept 25. The second pre-trial case management will be held on Oct 16.
Trials are scheduled to commence between Dec 8 and Dec 12 and from Dec 15 to Dec 19 in closed court.
