The Coroner’s Court in Kota Kinabalu is set to hear testimony from child witnesses behind closed doors as the inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir enters its 11th day today.
Only those directly involved in the proceedings – including interested parties, legal officers from the Sabah Law Society (SLS) and the Education Ministry, who are acting as watching briefs – are allowed to be present.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan has not imposed a gag order but repeatedly reminded all parties, including the media, to comply with the Child Act 2001.
Since the inquest opened on Sept 3, eight adult witnesses have testified. Over the coming days, the court is expected to hear evidence from more than 30 minors, out of at least 68 witnesses on the list.
Zara, a Form One student at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, was found unconscious outside her school hostel in the early hours of Aug 16 and pronounced dead the next day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Her death has shocked the nation and prompted calls for transparency. On Aug 13, the Attorney-General’s Chambers ordered an inquest after reviewing the police report.
