FIVE teenagers are expected to be charged in connection with the bullying case of Form One student, the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, this Wednesday.
The matter was confirmed by the Attorney General, Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, who announced that the charges will be filed at the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court, Sabah.
"A total of five people will be charged, and they are under 18 years old," he said as reported.
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) earlier confirmed that several individuals will be charged in connection with the bullying of Zara Qairina, following a review of investigation papers submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
The decision to press charges is based on available evidence and will not interfere with the coroner’s inquest into Zara’s death, the AGC said in a statement.
“The Attorney General’s Chambers has reviewed the investigation papers in the case of Zara Qairina’s death referred by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and has decided to prosecute several suspects involved in the bullying of Zara Qairina based on the evidence available,” the statement read.
The AGC stressed that the prosecution for bullying offences would proceed independently of the ongoing inquest proceedings.
“This decision will not affect the investigations still being carried out by PDRM regarding the death of Zara Qairina, 13, including the inquest proceedings to be held in court,” it added.
The decision marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice following public outcry over the case, which has drawn national attention to issues of bullying, neglect and misconduct in schools. - August 18, 2025
