KOTA KINABALU: The use of foul and harsh language was described as “unbecoming” for students of a religious school, the Coroner’s Court heard during the inquest into the death of teenager Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Datuk Ram Singh, counsel for Student A, who is jointly charged with four other teenage girls for using offensive words against Zara Qairina, said it was disturbing that such language was not only common among students but also used by teachers.
Two student witnesses testified that it was not unusual to hear vulgar words being shouted in the hostel, including from seniors towards juniors.
One student said the use of foul language was so widespread that teachers themselves sometimes used it and never reprimanded students for doing the same.
A witness confirmed at least one teacher was known to use such words, though it was unclear how many others were involved.
“Witnesses also said seniors told juniors that such words were used on them because they themselves had gone through the same treatment when they were juniors,” said counsel Joan Goh, who is also representing Student A.
Ram added that the two witnesses who testified could not recall much, as they were simply “minding their own business”.
Lawyer Azhier Farhan Arisin, representing Students B, C, D and E, told the court that one witness clarified the phrase “bodoh, sial” (stupid, damned) was not directed at Zara Qairina, but uttered at the dormitory door.
“The witness confirmed Zara Qairina was not physically abused or humiliated. She also explained that ‘Circle 19’ was only a student activity group, not gangsterism, and had no role in Zara Qairina’s case. The witness confirmed she was not bullied by them,” he said.
Azhier stressed that lawyers were not making conclusions, as that was the coroner’s role.
“We are merely sharing what was said in court, since the media are not allowed to report testimonies involving minors,” he added.
Counsel Shahlan Jufri, who represents Zara Qairina’s mother Noraidah Lamat, said witnesses described the 13-year-old as cheerful and showing no signs of distress before she was found unconscious on July 16.
One witness testified that Zara Qairina entered a room at 10.20pm on July 15 to meet a senior regarding a suspected wallet theft. Later, four more seniors entered and scolded her, though the witness could not identify who.
“She said Zara Qairina walked out of the room in tears at about 11pm, just before lights out. That was the first time she saw Zara Qairina cry, and the last time she saw her alive,” Shahlan said.
The Coroner’s Court also used 2D and 3D floor plans of the dormitory to assist witnesses in sketching the scene.
Inquest, presided by Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, resumes Tuesday (Oct 30).
