Justice for Zara gathering draws thousands in Kunak

LocalPolitics
31 Aug 2025 • 8:47 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

image is not available

KUNAK: The “Justice for Zara” Solidarity Gathering held at the town field on Saturday evening drew thousands of participants from across the east coast and Kota Kinabalu.

The peaceful assembly, organised by more than 20 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), was the third such event here this month.

Programme coordinator Kasman Karate said the gathering aimed to unite people regardless of their political leanings to express solidarity and call for clear information from the authorities regarding the case of student Zara Qairina Mahathir.

He expressed gratitude to the local council for approving the use of the field and to the police for ensuring the event ran smoothly, noting that inaccurate narratives only create confusion.

The event, which began with the national and state anthems and prayers, saw NGO leaders, community representatives and political figures share short messages, with participants dressed in black chanting “Justice for Zara” throughout the evening despite rain towards the end.