THE Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court has issued a show cause notice to former Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, for allegedly making contemptuous remarks regarding the ongoing inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
The Warisan president has been ordered to explain his remarks describing the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir as “murder”, after the Coroner’s Court allowed an application for contempt proceedings to proceed.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan granted the request on Monday following submissions by lawyer Datuk Ram Singh, who represents one of the accused in a separate bullying case.
Ram argued that Shafie’s statement, captured in a viral video from a Batu Sapi event on September 19, could amount to sub judice.
“This is an affront to the court. The statement goes beyond fair comment and interferes with the inquest,” Ram told reporters after the court adjourned for lunch in Kota Kinabalu on Monday.
All parties to the inquest supported the application.
The coroner then ordered that a show-cause notice be issued under Order 52 Rule 2B of the Rules of Court, requiring Shafie to explain his remarks.
If the explanation is deemed unsatisfactory, contempt proceedings may follow.
In the video clip, Shafie was heard telling supporters: “That child has died, not bullying, it’s a murder. Isn’t that right?” The crowd responded, “Right.”
Earlier, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) issued a statement warning that the remarks could “create inaccurate perceptions among the public and disrupt the smooth conduct of judicial proceedings”.
The AGC said it is reviewing Shafie’s comments in detail and warned that contempt proceedings may be initiated.
This development follows warnings from lawyers representing several students accused of bullying Zara, who cautioned that Shafie’s description of the teenager’s death as “murder” could amount to contempt of court.
Counsel for the four students, identified as B, C, D and E, described Shafie’s remarks as reckless and capable of prejudicing ongoing proceedings.
Ram had also reiterated that the statement crossed the line.
“This is clearly an affront to the court. Such remarks, made while the inquest is still underway, intimidate witnesses and undermine the presumption of innocence,” he was quoted as saying in local media reports.
The lawyers further argued that public comments of this nature could discourage witnesses from testifying freely and compromise the fairness of the inquiry.
The inquest, now in its 11th day, continues. – September 22, 2025
Amir Shah Amir Hassan granted the application on Monday during the 11th day of inquest proceedings, following a formal request by lawyer Datuk Ram Singh. The application was supported by all parties involved in the inquest.
The notice will be served promptly to the Warisan Party President.
The contempt allegation stems from a video circulating on social media in which Mohd Shafie can be heard saying: "Itu budak sudah mati, bukan buli, it's a murder. Betulkah?" (“The child has died, that’s not bullying, it's murder. Is that right?”), to which voices in the crowd are heard responding in agreement.
The comment is believed to have been made during a public event and has raised concerns over interference with judicial proceedings.
The inquest into the death of Zara Qairina, which has captured national attention, is ongoing. - September 22, 2025
