THE Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court has recognised Noraidah Lamat, the mother of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, as an interested party in the inquest into her daughter’s death, giving her the right to actively participate in proceedings and access prosecution documents, including the post-mortem report.
One of her lawyers, Shahlan Jufri, told reporters outside the court that Coroner Azreen Aziz has granted their application and also noted all reports, including the post mortem, will be handed over to them on September 2, a day before the inquest scheduled to begin.
“We have been given leave to be an interested party, with access to the documents.
"The post-mortem report will be provided on the second of September, ahead of the inquest,” he told reporters.
Also before the court was an application by lawyers representing the juveniles charged in connection with Zara’s case led by Datuk Ram Singh.
Despite objections from Noraidah’s legal team, the defence was likewise granted status as an interested party.
Shahlan expressed disappointment, arguing that the inquest should not be turned into an extension of the Juvenile Court.
“Their battleground is in the Juvenile Court, not here. This inquest is not about defending or prosecuting anyone. It is about uncovering what really happened to Zara,” he said.
The relevant reports would also be made available to the legal team representing the accused in the bully case.
A second bid by the defence — to postpone the inquest — was opposed by both Noraidah’s team and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Coroner Azreena rejected the request, ensuring the proceedings will move forward without delay.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan who presides over the inquest when it opens next week, he added.
The court has fixed the hearings for 3–4 September, 8–12 September, 17–19 September, and 22–30 September. - August 28, 2025
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