THE pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Zara Qairina Mahathir will be among key witnesses to testify at the inquest proceedings investigating the cause of the student's death starting next week.
The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) said the surgeon's testimony will explain the cause of the victim's death at the proceedings held at the Kota Kinabalu Coroner's Court, Sabah.
"So far, the public prosecutor plans to call approximately 70 witnesses. Among the key witnesses who will be called to give evidence is the pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Zara Qairina's body to explain the true cause of death," he said in a statement.
The inquest proceedings will also be attended by interested parties and observing lawyers as permitted by the Coroner's Court.
Rhe interested parties, including Zara Qairina's mother, were represented by several law firms involved, such as Messrs Hamid & Co, Shahlan Jufri & Co and Messrs FN Lee & Nasser.
"The interested parties for the first child offender were represented by Messrs Ram Singh & Co and Goh & Associates, while the second to fifth child offenders were represented by Messrs Azhier Arisin & Jaafar," explained the AGC.
The statement said that the Sabah Law Society was acting as an observer lawyer authorized by the Coroner's Court.
"The AGC is determined to ensure that the inquest proceedings run smoothly and that justice is upheld and the department also adheres to the principle that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to have been done," the statement said.
The department added that the inquest proceedings to investigate the cause of the victim's death have been set for hearing dates on 3 to 5, 8 to 12, 17 to 19, 22 to 26 and 29 to 30 September.
In the meantime, the ACG has taken note and is aware of the 'No Justice No Merdeka' rally which is said to be taking place this weekend in Sabah regarding the death of the Form One student. - August 30, 2025
