A FORENSIC psychiatrist consultant informed the Coroner's Court today that the circumstances surrounding Zara Qairina Mahathir's death were most aligned with suicide.
Dr Chua Sze Hung, 43, stated that these conclusions stemmed from a psychological autopsy.
"The 13-year-old girl exhibited more risk factors for suicide than protective ones at the time of the incident," remarked the 67th witness, as reported by The New Straits Times.
Dr Chua mentioned that he had prepared, signed, and stamped an 84-page psychiatric report dated February 2, which concentrated on the likelihood of suicide and the context of the case.
He disclosed that the evaluation had examined various sources, including Zara's diaries, the scene of the incident, and a post-mortem report by consultant forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu.
Additional sources included visits to her hostel and dormitory, along with interviews with family members, school staff at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha, and her primary school.
"The combination of predisposing and precipitating factors indicates that the final act likely took place during a period of intense acute distress, impaired judgment, and diminished access to typical protective mechanisms, rather than being a carefully orchestrated act," he stated.
He was presenting his witness statement before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan.
Dr Chua noted that suicide ranks among the leading causes of death in older adolescents, highlighting that many cases involve individuals who do not have a previously documented mental health diagnosis.
He further added that research indicates Malaysian adolescents aged 13 to 15 face a heightened risk of suicide attempts, especially among those undergoing parental separation.
In this context, factors that may contribute to issues include stressful life events, a negative self-image, experiences of bullying, academic struggles, a history of drug use, verbal aggression, self-harm without suicidal intent, parental separation, conflicts with parents, heightened sensitivity in social situations, feelings of depression, behavioural problems, and expressions of a desire to die.
The factors that triggered this situation include a stressful event described as an interrogation and feelings of isolation. Additionally, not getting enough sleep and feeling disappointed after a prefect's reminder contributed to the issue," he stated.
According to NST reports, he noted that several risk factors were already present before Zara began her time at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha.
On September 17, the Sabah Attorney-General's Chambers requested the Health Ministry to conduct a psychiatric evaluation to assist with the investigation.
A team of three, which includes Dr Chua, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Nurulwafa Hussain, and clinical psychologist Norhameza Ahmad Badruddin, was selected by the Health director-general on September 19, 2025, to carry out the assessment using a psychological autopsy method.
Dr Chua indicated that he has previously provided expert testimony in homicide, drug trafficking, and sexual offence cases under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code in courts nationwide.
Zara, aged 13, was discovered unconscious on the ground floor of her hostel and was pronounced dead on July 17, 2025, at Hospital Queen Elizabeth. – April 2, 2026
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