KOTA KINABALU: The Coroner's Court here was told today that the five students who were the last to meet Zara Qairina Mahathir, and who allegedly uttered abusive words towards her, were only given verbal warnings by the school and referred to the Guidance and Counselling Teachers.
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha Disciplinary Unit secretary, Muliati Alihuddin, 42, said that the five students were not issued penalty points, as Zara Qairina's death remains under police investigation and was the subject of ongoing court proceedings.
The 56th witness said this when questioned by lawyer Shahlan Jufri, who is representing Zara Qairina's mother in the inquest proceedings before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan.
Muliati also confirmed that in September, the school had received a complaint of another bullying incident, involving a male student who was allegedly slapped and kicked. Following the complaint, two male students were suspended for a week and later referred to the counselling teacher.
She explained that the suspension was imposed because the case involved physical contact, whereas the case involving the five students did not.
The witness also acknowledged that the five students had breached school regulations by holding an unauthorised meeting and using abusive language.
Reading from her witness statement, Muliati informed the court that Zara Qairina's family declined to allow a post-mortem, as they wished to expedite the burial on the same night, adding that she overheard the conversation while at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17.
"I, along with another teacher, heard that Zara Qairina's mother had contacted the hearse service," she said, adding that she first came to know Zara Qairina when handling a sexual harassment complaint lodged by the girl in March.
Zara Qairina, 13, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory.
The inquest proceedings continue on Wednesday (Dec 3). – Bernama
