NORAIDAH Lamat, who has completed her testimony in the inquest into the death of her daughter, Zara Qairina Mahathir, was allowed to sit in the public gallery and follow the proceedings by the Coroner’s Court here on Tuesday.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan made the decision after hearing submissions from the parties involved regarding Noraidah’s presence in the public gallery, following the completion of her testimony as the 82nd deponent in the inquest.
Amir also said the court would consider the grounds of any application to recall Noraidah as a witness.
Earlier, conducting officer Nahra Dollah objected to Noraidah’s presence in the public gallery, expressing concern that it could cause prejudice if she were recalled to testify.
However, counsel Datuk Rizwandean M Borhan, who represents Noraidah, argued that there was no issue of prejudice as his client had already completed her testimony.
He also said Noraidah was an interested party in the inquest and had the right to follow the proceedings.
Counsel Nurul Rafeeqa Afdul Mutolip, representing Zara’s father, supported Rizwandean’s arguments.
She said Noraidah could still learn about the witnesses’ testimony through news reports even if she was not physically present in court, adding that her presence in the public gallery would therefore make no difference.
Noraidah was accompanied by her sister-in-law, Nur Shira Abdullah, who had testified as the 71st deponent in the inquest.
The proceedings are currently hearing testimony from the investigating officer, Inspector Wong Yew Zhung.
