PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all parties to refrain from using the tragic death of 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir as a political tool, calling such actions “unacceptable”.
Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly on Monday, Anwar said the misuse of social media to spread misinformation—particularly relating to Zara Qairina’s death—was deeply troubling.
"This matter of social media — we try to regulate it, but there are limitations," he said. "For example, most recently, someone claiming to be a forensic pathologist made statements that have poisoned the minds of millions, to the point that friends, my own wife, and acquaintances have asked, 'PM, what is going on?'"
"That person (Zara) has already passed away, and yet her death is being used as a political weapon to attack others. If the claims were true, that would be one thing — but to exploit someone’s death to spread lies and incite others in this way is completely unacceptable," Anwar added.
His remarks come as the Coroner’s Court in Kota Kinabalu begins proceedings in an inquest into Zara Qairina’s death, drawing significant public and media attention.
Journalists began gathering at the courthouse from as early as 7.30am, ahead of the 9am mention. Police were present to ensure order. The proceedings aim to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of the SMKA Tun Mustapha student, who was found unconscious at her dormitory in Papar on July 16. She was pronounced dead the next day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Zara’s family initially declined a post-mortem, but later requested for her body to be exhumed for reinvestigation. The grave in Sipitang was opened on August 9, and a second post-mortem was conducted on August 10. The results reportedly aligned with the original findings.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) ordered the inquest following a police investigation report submitted on August 12. Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed that the AGC would seek for the proceedings to begin without delay.
“The recorded statements of the forensic pathologists have been taken by the investigating officer. However, the autopsy report on the victim is still being prepared and will be completed shortly, before the inquest hearing begins,” he said.
The family’s lawyer, Hamid Ismail, confirmed that the inquest date had been formally set by the Sabah Attorney-General’s Chambers, with proceedings to continue at the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court.
The case has sparked national attention, especially amid allegations of school bullying, prompting public demands for justice. However, Anwar stressed the importance of allowing the inquest to proceed independently and with dignity.
“Let us not weaponise grief,” he said. - August 18, 2025
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