Malaysia’s Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) announced earlier today it will bring charges against several suspects accused of involvement in the bullying of 13-year-old Zara Qairina, whose death at a boarding school last month has shaken the nation and sparked demands for accountability.
The AGC decided to prosecute after reviewing investigation papers submitted by the police. It emphasised that the charges would not interfere with a separate inquest into Zara Qairina’s death, which is scheduled to begin next month.
“Although the decision to charge the suspects for bullying has been made, it will not affect the ongoing investigation by the police into Zara Qairina’s death, including the inquest proceedings that will be held in court,” the statement read.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar told the local press that five suspects, all aged below 18, will be charged at the Kota Kinabalu Children’s Court.
Earlier in the day, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail defended the authorities’ handling of the case, rejecting claims of a cover-up and stressing that police and health officials acted swiftly from the moment Zara Qairina was found unconscious in a drain at her religious boarding school in Sabah in the early hours of July 16.
“The claim of a cover-up or manipulation is completely unfounded,” he told Parliament.
Saifuddin said Zara Qairina’s mother had been informed of the need for a post-mortem, first by the police and later by two doctors at the morgue, but she had wanted to expedite the burial process. The decision was documented and signed by her in the presence of a relative and hospital staff.
He acknowledged that the investigating officer failed to follow proper procedures but said the lapse is being addressed internally and did not affect the integrity of the overall investigation, particularly after federal police in Kuala Lumpur took over the case.
Over the weekend, deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay told the media that a team from the police’s Department of Integrity and Standard Compliance will head to Sabah to record statements from the district police chief, the district criminal investigation department head, and the investigating officer. So far, the police have interviewed 195 witnesses, including students and teachers at Zara Qairina’s school.
“Schools must be a safe place for children. If there are elements of bullying, neglect or even sexual harassment, the investigation must be allowed to run its course so that the truth can be established and justice can be served,” Saifuddin said.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar also weighed in, urging the government to launch a nationwide anti-bullying campaign starting from primary schools. He warned that failure to tackle the issue early could produce a generation lacking respect and compassion.
“Bullying not only harms the mental and emotional state of victims, but it can also lead to tragedies,” the King decreed after meeting Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Istana Negara. “Children must be educated from a young age about respect and discipline,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim noted that recently passed amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, which strengthen penalties and procedures related to bullying, showed the government’s commitment but stressed that enforcement required coordination across ministries and agencies.
During the audience, Fahmi briefed the King on his ministry’s initiatives to address bullying and preparations for Malaysia’s upcoming National Day celebrations.
The inquest into Zara Qairina’s death is scheduled to begin on Sept 3 and will run on multiple dates throughout the month, lasting a total of 19 days. For many Malaysians, it is seen as a crucial step towards accountability in a case that has become a flashpoint in the national debate over bullying in schools.