Kota Kinabalu: Proceedings at the Coroner’s Court here were delayed for over 30 minutes on Wednesday following a brief exchange between the bench and counsel during an inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Coroner Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan temporarily left the courtroom after repeatedly asking defense counsel Datuk Ram Singh whether the court was being fair during the questioning of consultant psychiatrist Dr Wong Haw Huo.
The exchange occurred after Ram raised concerns regarding the manner in which Wong, the 75th deponent, was answering questions regarding the teenager's fall.
Upon resuming proceedings, Coroner Amir apologized to the court, stating it was the first time in his 21 years on the bench that he had experienced such an outburst or felt slight chest discomfort while stepping down.
The apology followed statements from Ram and counsel Datuk Rizwandean M Borhan, who both expressed regret over the exchange and clarified that no disrespect or insinuation of unfairness was intended toward the bench.
Addressing the court, Coroner Amir accepted the apologies and emphasized the need to maintain professionalism, fairness, and decorum throughout the remainder of the inquest.
He further reiterated that witnesses must be permitted to explain their answers fully, noting that the inquest proceedings do not involve standard cross-examination.
