Kota Kinabalu: The Coroner’s Court here on Friday fixed Jan 15, 2027 to deliver its verdict on the inquest into the death of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan set the decision date during mention for further directions on submissions and exhibits, adding that his findings will be prepared in Malay.
The court ordered all parties to file their written submissions on or before Dec 15 this year, while Jan 8, 2027 was fixed for clarification of the submissions.
Amir Shah directed counsel to address key areas in their submissions, including how the court should treat contradictory evidence from the numerous child witnesses and observations from visits to the locus in quo.
He also invited parties to submit views on potential system improvements regarding school hostel administration, the investigation process, the inquest proceedings, and the need to expedite the enactment of a dedicated Coroner’s Act.
The inquest, which sat for 96 days between Sept 3 and Oct 14, generated over 5,200 pages of notes of proceedings after hearing oral testimony from 83 witnesses, including 36 minors, school staff, investigating officers, experts, and Zara's family members.
Thirteen-year-old Zara was found unconscious below her hostel building on July 16, 2025 and died the following day at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, followed by the exhumation of her remains in August for a post-mortem examination.
