LAWYERS acting for the mother of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir have welcomed the decision by federal police to assume control of the investigation into the 14-year-old student’s death, calling it “a positive development” in the pursuit of truth and justice.
Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, 45, is represented by Shahlan Jufri, Rizwandean M Borhan and Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi, who confirmed that the takeover by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department’s special task force aligns with a formal request they submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) on 5 August.
“The takeover of the investigation by the Bukit Aman JSJ Task Force is in line with one of four matters we requested from the Attorney General’s Chambers,” the lawyers said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
The four requests include the return of the investigation file to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the reopening of the case; the assignment of experienced Bukit Aman investigators; the exhumation of Zara’s body for a second autopsy to determine the cause of death; and the initiation of an inquest to establish whether any criminal element contributed to her death.
“This positive development gives hope that the truth behind Zara’s death will be revealed, and that evidence of criminal conduct—if any—will be proven,” the statement added.
The PDRM confirmed that a nine-member task force was dispatched to the Sabah Police Contingent on Monday. In a statement, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police (Corporate Communications) said the deployment demonstrates PDRM’s commitment to ensuring a “transparent and comprehensive” investigation.
“PDRM takes seriously any case involving the loss of life. All parties are urged to give the authorities space to carry out their investigation professionally and avoid speculation that could compromise the process,” the statement said.
Zara, a Form One student at a religious boarding school in Sabah, was found unconscious in a drain near her dormitory on the morning of 16 July. She died the following day at hospital. The incident sparked national outcry after allegations emerged that she had been bullied by senior students.
In a related development, the Penang chapter of Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK), the youth wing of the ruling party, called for calm and condemned any attempt to politicise the case.
“Human life is not political currency,” said AMK Penang chief Muhammad Zakwan Mustafa Kamal. “Any attempt to capitalise politically on this tragedy is unethical. Malaysia is a country governed by the rule of law, and no one—regardless of rank or position—will be shielded from justice if found guilty.”
He also extended condolences to Zara’s family, voicing support for statements made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“We stand in solidarity with the victim’s family and the people of Malaysia who seek justice. May Allahyarhamah Zara’s soul be blessed and placed among the righteous,” he added. - August 12, 2025
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