Kota Kinabalu: A child witness revealed that two days before Zara Qairina Mahathir was found unconscious on the grounds of SMKA Tun Mustapha’s hostel, there had been an incident where she was scolded by her mother.
Counsel Azhier Farhan Arisin, when briefing the media after the proceedings on Thursday, said according to the first child witness, Zara was scolded by her mother and, because of that, when she was being sent back to the hostel on July 13, her mother tried to shake her hand, but according to the witness, the handshake was not sincere.
Azhier further said that when he asked whether that was the last time Zara’s mother saw her, the witness replied yes, and that at that point Zara was still angry with her mother.
He further briefed the media that the first child witness had followed Zara back to her house at that time.
Azhier added that the second child witness revealed in court that she recognised the handwriting in one of the diaries and said it was Zara’s handwriting.
“In that written note, there was an expression of sadness by the writer who lamented, ‘kenapa aku dibenci... kenapa aku tidak disukai’ (Why am I hated… why am I not liked by people).”“When asked whether those writings had ever been mentioned by Zara, the witness said yes, as Zara had complained about the matter,” said Azhier.
Counsel Joan Goh further briefed the media that two child witnesses testified that Zara had told them more than 10 times, ‘kalau saya lompat dari sini ada orang sayang saya kah?’ (If I jump from here, will someone love me?)“The witnesses said Zara told them that more than 10 times,” Goh said.
Goh further stated that the third child witness testified that she did not hear Zara being mocked in the dormitory.
“This witness basically saw and heard nothing in that dormitory where the alleged questioning of Zara took place, as she was in her own dorm that night,” said Goh.
Counsel Shahlan Jufri briefed the media on the testimony of the third child witness, who said that Zara had been called by the dormitory head.
Shahlan said the child witness also stated that she heard some words uttered by other students when Zara was being questioned.
According to Shahlan, the student who questioned Zara was angry at that time, adding that the witness did not provide further details about the incident as she was talking to her friends then.
The third child has completed her testimony, and on Friday the fourth child witness will give hers.
Meanwhile, the Coroner Court on Thursday maintained its decision not to allow media in the courtroom when child deponents give their testimonies in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan maintained the order for no media coverage inside the courtroom, but reporters can still obtain updates from the counsel.
Counsel Shahlan Jufri said the coroner made the decision after the matter was raised during Thursday afternoon’s proceedings.
According to Shahlan, the conducting officers informed the court that instructions from headquarters had been received not to allow the media to be present when the child witnesses testify.
“The coroner has decided this because the deponents are children, and they must be protected,” Shahlan told reporters.
Shahlan added that most lawyers agreed that the media should be present, except those representing Zara’s father.
Counsel Joan Goh also supported allowing press coverage.
“We want responsible reporting so that the public gets accurate news, instead of unverified information that can fuel speculation,” she said.
