THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has reaffirmed its firm stance against any attempt to shield individuals, including those of high status, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told Parliament on Monday that the Ministry stands ready to cooperate fully with police and that the matter remains under active investigation.
“This case is being investigated by the police, and MOE will leave it to the authorities to carry out their work,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan–Semporna), who raised concerns about alleged involvement of well-connected individuals.
“Firstly, MOE does not and will not compromise on bullying. Secondly, KPM has never, at any point, attempted to protect anyone, as has been alleged,” Wong stressed in the Dewan Rakyat.
Zara’s case has drawn widespread national attention after her body was exhumed 23 days following burial to facilitate a renewed investigation. The Form One student was found unconscious at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datuk Mustapha in Papar on 16 July and died the next day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.
Wong added that all bullying or disciplinary cases under the Ministry’s purview are investigated in accordance with existing standard operating procedures.
“MOE will not, under any circumstances, tolerate bullying in any school or institution under its jurisdiction,” he said. - August 11, 2025
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