THE Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court will deliver its decision in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir on Jan 15 next year, with all parties required to file their written submissions by Dec 15.
Coroner Amir Shah Amri Hassan set the dates today following discussions with the parties involved in the proceedings.
He said the court had also scheduled Jan 8, 2027, for clarification of the submissions.
The findings will be delivered in Bahasa Melayu, while written submissions may be filed in Bahasa Melayu, English or a combination of both.
The inquest into the Zara's death concluded on Wednesday after 96 days of hearings involving 83 witnesses.
Amir Shah said the proceedings’ notes, spanning more than 5,200 pages, required careful examination, including an assessment of the submissions and the full body of evidence.
Amir directed the parties to identify and explain inconsistencies in witness testimony, particularly that of the numerous child witnesses who testified during the inquest.
He also asked them to assess the findings from two visits to the scene conducted during the proceedings to help the court establish the facts.
Beyond determining the circumstances surrounding Zara’s death, the coroner encouraged the parties to propose improvements to school and hostel management, investigation procedures and the conduct of inquests.
Among the suggestions was appointing experienced wardens to strengthen the management and safety of students living in school hostels.
Amir also raised the possibility of expediting the enforcement of the Coroners Act, noting that the current inquest was conducted under the Criminal Procedure Code.
He said the parties could address the matter in their written submissions, including the need for a more comprehensive framework governing inquest proceedings and the duties of coroners. Such proposals could be considered for inclusion in the court’s findings.
The coroner thanked all parties for their cooperation throughout the lengthy proceedings, noting that the number of witnesses, particularly children, had contributed to the duration of the hearings.
He stressed that the court’s findings must be based on evidence presented during the proceedings rather than speculation or opinions expressed outside the courtroom.
“We do not want any questions to be left unanswered. Hopefully, we will be able to answer those questions,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that where a question could not be conclusively answered, the court would remain bound by the evidence presented.
Zara was reportedly found unconscious on the ground floor of her school hostel on July 16, 2025, and was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu the following day.
The inquest began on Sept 3, 2025, to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. - October 16, 2026
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