Kota Kinabalu: The public has been urged to refrain from speculation, sensationalism and unwarranted accusations following the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Counsel Joan Goh, who represented one of the children involved in the related proceedings, said the tragedy had affected not only Zara’s family but also the children who had faced intense public scrutiny.
While acknowledging the public’s concern and desire for justice, she stressed the importance of protecting the rights, welfare and future of all children involved.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the proceedings at the Coroner’s Court yesterday, Goh said justice must be guided by evidence and the rule of law rather than public sentiment or speculation.
She urged all parties to respect the judicial process and allow the children concerned to move forward with their lives.
“The pursuit of justice for Zara must never come at the expense of justice for others,” she said.
Goh also extended her condolences to Zara’s family over their loss.
Meanwhile, counsel Prem Elmer Ganasan, speaking on behalf of Datuk Ram Singh, who represented the same child alongside Goh, said the inquest must be fair and reflect all evidence presented by witnesses and experts in their respective fields.
He said two forensic pathologists had testified that the fall was neither accidental nor caused by a push or deliberate act by a third party.
Ganasan also referred to evidence from a forensic psychiatrist, saying the psychological autopsy report prepared by Dr Chua Sze Hung and his team concluded that the manner of death was most consistent with suicide.
He added that the investigating officer, Insp Wong, had classified the case as a sudden death report (SDR), a finding supported by the defence team.
“We would like to thank all parties involved throughout the 96 days of the inquest into Zara’s death. We now await the outcome,” he said.
