Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has taken all necessary steps to ensure justice in the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.
He urged the public to let the legal process take its course and not pass premature judgment on those allegedly involved in the case.
Anwar said he understands the anger of the public, especially in Sabah, over perceived weaknesses in the initial investigation.
“There’s no reason to be upset with people for voicing out — there were indeed problems and weaknesses. But we (the government) have done everything possible: bringing in senior police officers and CID investigators to take over the case, initiating an inquest,” he said at a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) gathering here tonight.
“But don’t punish first. There’s no verdict yet. Let it follow the rules. This is a nation of law, not a law of the jungle where anyone can accuse others of being corrupt, guilty or a killer,” he added.
Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Deputy Higher Education Minister and PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, and other state PKR leaders.
Anwar, who is also PKR president, said he understands Sabahans’ calls for good governance and assured that as Prime Minister he will not allow anyone found guilty to escape punishment, regardless of their status or title.
“What benefit do I get from protecting anyone? A child has died. Even accusing PMX (Prime Minister Anwar) won’t help.
“In Cabinet meetings, it’s not just me — everyone is there, Datuk Zahid (Deputy Prime Minister), Anthony Loke (Transport Minister). We all agree: investigate fully first, don’t punish first, regardless of whose child or grandchild it is,” he said.
