THE viral JusticeForZara movement demanding justice for the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, would not have been necessary had police officers adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs) from the outset, the family’s legal representatives said on Saturday.
The statement followed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay’s confirmation that the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) at Bukit Aman had opened disciplinary investigation papers against three senior police officers.
“These disciplinary papers involve the District Police Chief (Superintendent), the District Criminal Investigations Chief (Assistant Superintendent), and the investigating officer (Inspector) suspected of SOP non-compliance during the initial investigation into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, daughter of our client, Noraidah Lamat,” said the legal team.
“We fully support the investigation. The nationwide JusticeForZara movement would not have arisen had the officers involved taken proper legal steps in investigating a suspicious death upon receiving information about Zara’s passing on 17 July 2025.”
The legal team urged that strict disciplinary action be taken if breaches of protocol are confirmed.
“We hope that the JusticeForZara movement serves as a reminder to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to ensure that all deaths involving questionable circumstances are investigated thoroughly, transparently, and in strict accordance with investigative SOPs from the moment the first report is received.”
They added that the family is still awaiting a confirmed date from the Attorney General’s Chambers for the formal application of an inquest into the teenager’s death.
The statement was issued by the legal team comprising Hamid Ismail, Shahlan Jufri, Rizwandean M Borhan, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi, Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh, and Farrah Nasser. - August 16, 2025
