THE Kota Kinabalu High Court on Tuesday set aside a coroner’s order that had allowed lawyers for five child defendants to take part as interested parties in the inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in Sabah.
The decision came after separate revision applications were filed by the Sabah Law Society and by lawyers representing Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat.
The judge ruled that the Aug. 28 order no longer stood, but said the lawyers for the child defendants could make fresh applications before a newly appointed coroner.
The earlier proceedings had been overseen by court director Azreena Aziz, who has since recused herself from the case and been replaced by Sessions Court judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan.
“Today the High Court has set aside the order that allowed the child defendants’ lawyers to participate as interested parties in the inquest,” said Rizwandean M. Borhan, counsel for Zara’s family. “However, the court also ruled that they may reapply before the new coroner tomorrow.”
The inquest is scheduled to open on Sept. 3 and run in stages until the end of the month, with hearings fixed for Sept. 3–4, 8–12, 17–19 and 22–30.
The Attorney General’s Chambers is expected to lead evidence, though the first witness has yet to be confirmed. - Sept 2, 2025
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