Zara routinely accused over past theft, says witness

 By Olivia Miwil

September 25, 2025 @ 9:47pm

The late Zara Qairina Mahathir was often suspected whenever thefts occurred at her school. - NSTP pic

KOTA KINABALU: The late Zara Qairina Mahathir was often suspected whenever thefts occurred at her school.

Lawyer Joan Goh said Zara had become a target of suspicion because she had previously been involved in an alleged incident concerning a stolen water tumbler.

"On July 14, 15 and 16, whenever such issues arose, she was summoned by other students to determine whether she had taken the items. The witness testified that Zara was routinely suspected, apparently because she had once allegedly taken someone else's tumbler, which was later found in her locker," she said while briefing the media about the testimony of the third child witness at the afternoon session of the inquest into Zara's death.

Goh's colleague, Datuk Ram Singh, said he was shocked by the testimony of the third child witness, which revealed that vulgar language had been used.

"Ms Goh asked some questions — whether this behaviour is part of their culture, whether it comes from the school, or who taught them. Apart from that, the witness was quite consistent," he said.

Summarising the testimonies of three child witnesses, lawyer Azhier Farhan Arisin said Zara had been summoned to explain herself after another student reported a missing item to the dormitory leader.

Azhier, who also represents one of the children linked to Zara, said that at the same time Zara was called, a separate incident occurred in the neighbouring dormitory. Without instructions from seniors, a group of Form 1 students searched Zara's bag and locker, discovering a badge that had been reported missing and was claimed to belong to one of the dormitory leaders.

One of the dormitory leaders had initially used inappropriate language towards Zara. Later, the discovery of the badge angered a senior student, even though Zara denied taking it and insisted she had not.

"The witnesses reported that after the incident, everyone returned to their dormitories, including Zara. They also said that on the night of July 15, they did not hear anything unusual — no sounds suggesting that Zara was beaten or dragged," he added.

The inquest will resume tomorrow, with another two child witnesses expected to testify.

Original article was published at New Straits Times online