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THE Coroner’s Court has issued a stern warning against the unauthorised sharing of evidence related to the ongoing inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, following reports that images of case exhibits have circulated on social media.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan cautioned all parties involved in the inquest that any public disclosure of court exhibits while proceedings are ongoing could amount to contempt of court.
“Those in possession of case exhibits must not share them arbitrarily. Every party is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the items brought before the court,” he said during proceedings before the court adjourned for a midday break.
He added: “Uploading images of evidence before the proceedings have concluded could lead to contempt charges. Authorities must consider action, even if it is not possible to stop everyone.”
The warning came after complaints were lodged regarding a Facebook account which allegedly published images of a sheet of paper claimed to contain handwriting by the late Zara Qairina.
The second week of proceedings continued today with testimony from Nurul Atiqah Mohd Noh, a document examiner from the Department of Chemistry Malaysia, who was called as the inquest’s second witness.
The 44-year-old forensic specialist testified about 21 documents submitted for handwriting comparison to determine whether the writing belonged to Zara Qairina or other individuals.
The inquest has drawn close scrutiny, with legal representation from multiple parties. Zara Qairina’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, was represented by Shahlan Jufri and Rizwandean M. Borhan, while the child’s father, Mahathir Hashim @ Marikin, was represented by Sherzali Asli, alongside Nurul Rafeeqa Afdul Mutolip and Clarice Vyonne Conrad.
One of the children accused in the case is represented by Datuk Ram Singh, Joan Goh, and Prem Elmer Ganasan. Four others are represented by Azhier Farhan Arisin and Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah.
The inquest is being led by Deputy Head of Prosecution II, Datuk Badius Zaman Ahmad, alongside Deputy Public Prosecutors Dana Arabi Wazani, Mohd Fairuz Johari, and Dena Dacia Jane, who serve as inquest officers throughout the month-long proceedings. - Sept 8, 2025