Kota Kinabalu: A child deponent told the Coroner’s Court on Monday that she had advised Zara Qairina Mahathir not to harm herself when she appeared sad and withdrawn.
Counsel Azhier Farhan Arisin said the 11th child deponent testified that she was unsure whether Zara had ever cut her hands but had urged her not to do so.
He said the child explained she gave the advice because people who felt stressed or frustrated might resort to self-harm, and she wanted to prevent that.
The deponent also said she had warned Zara against doing other things that could cause her harm.
Azhier said the girl observed that Zara seemed lonely and distressed after being called out by older students.
