ATTORNEY-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has confirmed that his chambers will proceed with prosecuting five teenagers accused of bullying the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
The charges remain as originally filed, despite a public appeal from Zara’s family seeking sterner action under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code, which carries up to ten years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
“We will proceed,” Mohd Dusuki said succinctly when questioned on the matter.
The trial, set to begin tomorrow in the Children’s Court in Kota Kinabalu, continues to draw national attention, prompting legal bodies to issue reminders regarding the legal treatment of minors involved in criminal proceedings.
Meanwhile, Sabah Law Society (SLS) President Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin issued a statement today urging both the media and the public to comply fully with the Child Act 2001, particularly Section 15, which prohibits the publication or dissemination of any details that could lead to the identification of juvenile defendants.
“This includes names, photographs, addresses, schools, or any other particulars that could reveal their identity,” Nazim said. “A breach of this law may result in serious penalties.”
While acknowledging that professional media outlets are generally familiar with these restrictions, Nazim expressed concern that well-meaning members of the public might unintentionally violate the law when sharing information online.
“We gently remind the public that even well-intentioned actions can inadvertently breach the law,” he said. “We therefore encourage everyone to exercise care and avoid circulating material that could identify the children involved.”
He reiterated that proceedings in the Children’s Court are held in camera—closed to the public—not to minimise the gravity of the offence, but to uphold legal protections for minors.
“For justice to be fully served in Zara’s case, including the ongoing inquest, the process must remain free from breaches of the law that may jeopardise proceedings,” he said. “Respecting court processes ensures that justice is delivered properly, fairly, and beyond challenge.”
Nazim also acknowledged the strong emotions that have arisen since the case became public, describing the nationwide concern as “a conscience that commands respect.”
“That fire, that conscience, that unwillingness to look away, is something that commands respect,” he said. “Now let that same strength show itself in discipline, by honouring the dignity of the court and the rule of law.”
He called on all parties—media professionals, social media users, and members of the public—to allow both the criminal proceedings and inquest to unfold without interference, ensuring justice is allowed to take its full and proper course. - August 19, 2025
