THOUSANDS turned out in three of Sabah’s east coast towns last night calling for justice for 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Her death on July 17 has struck a nerve in communities across the state, fuelling outrage over bullying in schools and frustration over the way the case has been handled.
In Tawau, some 3,000 people filled the Bulatan Pasar Chester from 8pm, dressed in black and holding placards that read Keadilan Untuk Zara (Justice for Zara) and Hentikan Buli (Stop Bullying).
Chants echoed across the night market roundabout as the crowd called for answers and accountability.
Sandakan’s Harbour Mall esplanade drew around 1,000 people for a vigil.
“We only want justice for her — that is our focus for tonight,” said Mohd Kadir Abdul Jalil, one of the organisers.
Lahad Datu’s town clock tower became the gathering point for another vigil, where participants lit candles in silence before offering prayers.
Similar events have been held in Semporna and Kota Kinabalu, with Sipitang expected to be held this Sunday.
Sandakan MP Vivian Wong, who joined the vigil described the turnout a strong message to the government.
“This is about a life, and the investigation must be detailed. Right now, the family has no closure. The initial investigation was done too quickly and not in detail,” she said.
Wong also tie up the tragedy to wider concerns over bullying, calling on teachers and headmasters to take reports seriously instead of brushing them off as “just playing around.”
Fresh post-mortem ordered
The vigils came just hours after news that the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has ordered Zara’s remains to be exhumed for a second post-mortem.
The decision came after the AGC reviewed the preliminary investigation report from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and concluded that further work was needed to ensure “all aspects of the investigation are carried out thoroughly.”
Zara was found unconscious in a drain below her school dormitory in Papar on July 16 and died the next day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.
Her mother, Noraidah Lamat, has been calling for the exhumation since late July after recalling bruises on her daughter’s back during the funeral washing ritual.
Police say they have interviewed about 60 people, including students, teachers, and parents.
Frustration over speculation
The case has been clouded by viral speculation, including false claims that Zara had been placed in a washing machine. The allegation has already been dismissed by the family lawyers.
The movement shows no sign of slowing. The next vigil will be held this Sunday at the Sipitang Esplanade, southwest of Kota Kinabalu. - August 8, 2025
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