KOTA KINABALU: A discipline teacher has told the Coroner's Court here that ragging culture exists among senior students at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha.
The school's disciplinary unit secretary, Muliati Alihuddin, 42, who is the 56th witness, said this during questioning by Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan at the inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir on Wednesday (Dec 3).
Coroner: How would you describe the level of student discipline at the school since you became a discipline teacher?
Muliati: Normally, reported cases involve mobile phones as they are prohibited. We conduct surprise inspections in the dormitories. Other disciplinary issues include students skipping Subuh prayers, improper personal appearance such as wearing short headscarves and not wearing the school badge.
Coroner: What is the most serious case the school has ever encountered?
Muliati: The most serious is the Zara Qairina case. We have not faced any criminal cases before this.
Coroner: Are there any cases of ragging involving senior and junior students?
Muliati: Yes. Ragging cases usually involve male students. We have never received reports of ragging among female students. It usually involves light tasks such as fetching water or ironing clothes.
Coroner: Earlier, you mentioned various programmes to discipline students. Is caning still implemented?
Muliati: Previously yes, but no longer. Only the senior assistant for student affairs is allowed to carry out caning.
implementing caning… the softer approach is not effective… it wasn't like this in the past.
Zara Qairina was confirmed dead at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here on July 17 this year, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory.
The inquest continues on Thursday (Dec 4). – Bernama
