SHAH ALAM, Aug 18 — Several suspects will be charged with offences related to the bullying of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) announced today.
It said in a statement that the decision was made after reviewing the investigation papers submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
“The decision to prosecute several suspects for bullying was made based on the available evidence. It will not interfere with the inquest proceedings that will take place (next month),” the statement read.
The AGC said while the charges concern bullying offences, this does not affect the ongoing police investigation into Zara Qairina’s death or the upcoming inquest.
Earlier today, the Coroner’s Court in Kota Kinabalu fixed September 3 and 4, 8 to 12, 17 to 19, and 22 to 30 for inquest hearings to determine whether criminal elements were involved in her death.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution confirmed in the Dewan Rakyat this morning that Zara Qairina’s case involved bullying, neglect, and possible sexual harassment, but denied there was any attempt at a cover-up.
He added that misinformation surrounding Zara Qairina’s death had turned the case “toxic”, and reiterated that the inquest next month is intended to establish the truth and seek justice.
Zara Qairina was found unconscious in her hostel compound in Kinarut, Sabah, in the early hours of July 16, and died a day later at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Her mother initially refused a post-mortem but agreed to an exhumation earlier this month after raising concerns of bruises on her daughter’s body.
Saifuddin said a second autopsy, witnessed by family lawyers, confirmed the cause of death, with the findings shared with the family.
