Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Wanita MCA Chief Datuk Dr Pamela Yong appealed for responsible social media use, highlighting the grave risks posed to innocent children by online speculation and unverified information.
She voiced deep concerns that the pursuit of justice for Zara Qairina could inadvertently endanger other children or be exploited for political purposes.
“As a mother, I find the circumstances surrounding Zara Qairina’s death deeply troubling. While a thorough and transparent investigation is essential, we must ensure that the fervour for justice does not compromise the safety and emotional well-being of other children,” she said.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});She emphasised the particular vulnerability of Zara Qairina’s friends and fellow students at SMA Tun Datu Mustafa, who are struggling to cope with grief and confusion.
Pamela cautioned against the irresponsible use of social media which, she noted, can transform from a tool for awareness into a source of immense harm.
“It is crucial to resist the temptation to spread rumours or take matters into our own hands. Unverified information can inflict significant emotional damage on innocent children, making them collateral damage in our collective anger,” she warned.
Pamela urged the public to allow the police and relevant authorities to conduct their investigation without interference from social media conjecture.
She stressed that while achieving justice for Zara Qairina is imperative, it should not come at the expense of further traumatising the young lives affected by this tragedy.
“Our compassion must extend to all the young individuals touched by this heartbreaking event. Let us pursue justice responsibly, ensuring that no further harm befalls these children,” Panela concluded.
