A FORENSIC psychiatrist told the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court that it is common for families to struggle to accept suicide, particularly when the deceased had appeared cheerful and emotionally stable before death, as the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir entered its 72nd day.
Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Chua Sze Hung said relatives are often left in shock and denial because they may have been unaware of the intense emotional turmoil or suicidal thoughts experienced internally by the deceased.
Giving evidence as the 67th witness, Dr Chua reaffirmed under questioning by lawyer Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah that the manner of Zara Qairina’s death remained consistent with suicide.
The psychiatrist agreed that Zara could still have been suffering from severe emotional and psychological distress despite being described by others as a cheerful individual.
He further testified that individuals with suicidal tendencies frequently conceal their true mental state and deliberately avoid displaying signs of emotional suffering in order not to alarm family members or those close to them.
Dr Chua also highlighted the existence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), including injuries resembling “barcode” markings, describing them as important indicators of underlying emotional or psychological distress.
“The purpose of NSSI is to regulate emotions and reduce negative emotions,” New Straits Times cited him telling the court.
Earlier proceedings heard testimony from several witnesses who said Zara Qairina had previously shown “barcode” markings on her arm to other individuals.
During cross-examination, Abdul Fikry sought confirmation from the psychiatrist that denial and disbelief among family members are common reactions following a suicide.
“When a patient has suicidal tendencies, it is common for family members to experience shock, denial or difficulty believing it after learning the patient has taken their own life. Do you agree?” the lawyer asked.
“Agree,” replied Dr Chua.
Abdul Fikry then said: “Generally, because family members do not know the internal struggles or suicidal thoughts experienced by the patient, they genuinely find it difficult to accept that the patient took their own life. Do you agree?”
“Agree,” the psychiatrist answered.
The lawyer further stated: “A reaction of denial or disbelief from family members is not unusual in suicide cases, especially when the deceased appeared normal or happy before death. Do you agree?”
“Agree,” Dr Chua responded.
Abdul Fikry concluded by suggesting that a family’s difficulty in accepting the possibility of suicide does not in itself invalidate forensic or psychological findings consistent with suicide.
“Agree,” said Dr Chua.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the inquest has been adjourned and will resume from June 22 to 26, involving several witnesses including experts and members of the teenager’s family.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan announced the matter before proceedings at the Coroner’s Court here were adjourned on Friday.
Lawyer Joan Goh said no additional hearing dates had been fixed by the court so far, but the upcoming proceedings are expected to involve Zara Qairina’s stepsister.
“The next proceedings will involve the late Zara’s stepsister as well as a handwriting expert from the mother’s side. We have many questions for the witnesses who will appear in the next session,” she told reporters outside the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex here.
Meanwhile, lawyer Datuk Ram Singh expressed hope that the inquest could be concluded before the end of the year.
“My team sincerely hopes that Zara Qairina’s mother will testify first before other witnesses because the main questions lie in her testimony.
“I believe the truth will emerge from the mother’s testimony later. I do not want to comment too much at this stage, but I think all of us are waiting for the mother to give her evidence,” he said.
Joan and Ram, together with Prem Elmer Ganasan, are lawyers representing Student A in the case related to the teenager’s death.
The conducting officer team comprises Sabah Director of Public Prosecutions Nahra Dollah, along with deputy public prosecutors Mohd Fairuz Johari, Dana Arabi Wazani, Sofia S Sawayan and Dacia Jane Romanus. - May 22, 2026
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