Zara and her mother were close, says witness

 By Olivia Miwil

October 29, 2025 @ 7:45pm

Zara Qairina Mahathir’s mother at the coroner’s court. - NSTP pic

KOTA KINABALU: The late Zara Qairina Mahathir had a good relationship with her mother, the coroner's court was told.

The 25th child witness said in May 2025, she followed Zara Qairinah home for the weekend and stayed with her for two nights in Sipitang.

Zara Qairina's mother took the witness to have drinks at Zus Coffee café and for a meal at Iman's Corner in Sipitang town.

The witness said they did their homework together and Zara Qairina's mother also took them for a walk around Sipitang town.

"The witness said while at Zara's house, she saw that Zara's relationship with her mother was good.

"The witness confirmed that Zara's mother had washed and ironed her clothes.

"Before returning to the hostel, the witness said Zara's mother gave her some money and food," according to a joint statement by lawyers representing Zara's family members.

However, on July 15, 2025, the witness testified before coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan a spot check was held after she reported her money missing to a teacher.

"The teacher instructed a junior student close to Zara to carry out the spot check but the money was not found on her.

"The witness said she suspected Zara had taken her money and questioned her, but she denied it."

On the same day, when the witness returned to the dorm, another spot check was carried out again on Zara Qairina's locker and bag.

"The witness said Zara's wallet was inspected, and money was found inside. The witness took the money.

"Zara was lying on the floor crying, shouting, 'I didn't steal it, damn it'."

Another witness later told the court Zara Qairina had torn up one of her old diaries.

The 26th child witness testified that she had seen Zara Qairina writing in her diary, adding that she often did so in the hostel.

"The witness once secretly read one of the old diaries, which Zara Qairina had torn up herself. She was not sure why this was done.

"The witness did not read any of Zara Qairina's other diaries, but only saw her writing in them while in the hostel.

"The witness said she could recognise Zara Qairina's diaries and her handwriting, and remembered the specific diary she wrote in," lawyer Joan Goh said, adding the witness had no conflict with Zara Qairina.

Goh is representing one of the children charged in a case related to Zara Qairina.

The inquest resumes tomorrow.