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CLAIMS circulating online that the mother of Zara Qairina Mahathir was the cause of her daughter’s death have been firmly rejected by her legal team, who cited recent police disclosures to disprove the narrative.
“The press conference has confirmed that the ‘plot twist’ widely shared on media platforms in recent weeks—suggesting our client was the cause of Zara’s death—is entirely untrue,” read a statement from the lawyers representing Noraidah Lamat, issued on Thursday.
The statement followed remarks made by Datuk M Kumar, Director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ), during a press briefing on Wednesday regarding the case.
“That ‘plot twist’ is a vile and malicious narrative designed to defame both our client and Zara,” said the legal team, comprising Shahlan Jufri, Rizwandean M Borhan, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi, Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh, and Farrah Nasser.
They also extended their gratitude to the Bukit Aman JSJ Director and the special task force for their swift action in investigating the case.
While refuting the false claims, the lawyers appealed to the public for cooperation. “We urge anyone with information that could assist police investigations to come forward. If you are afraid or need assistance to do so, you may approach us directly,” they added.
The team also thanked Malaysians who have shown support and prayed for justice for Zara, while urging the public to “refrain from spreading unfounded speculation” regarding the case.
Zara Qairina, 13, was found unconscious after allegedly falling from the third floor of a religious school dormitory in Papar on 16 July. She was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI). The case has drawn significant attention online due to allegations that bullying at the school was involved.
Separately, the legal team has proposed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) consider charging individuals allegedly involved in bullying the student.
“Among the key disclosures made by the JSJ Director was that the special task force uncovered statements indicating bullying prior to the incident involving Zara,” Sinar Harian quoted the the lawyers saying.
“If these statements are deemed admissible in court, we recommend that the AGC proceed with prosecution under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code.”
Under that section, offenders may face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both.
“Should the evidence be insufficient to constitute an offence under Section 507D(2), further investigations should continue in parallel with an inquest, and prosecution may follow thereafter,” the statement added. - August 14, 2025
