Inquest has never slowed down justice for Zara, lawyers defend

KOTA KINABALU: The legal team representing the family of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir has distanced the family from a judicial review (JR) application reportedly filed by an external non-governmental organisation seeking to halt the ongoing inquest into the teenager’s death.

In a joint statement today, the lawyers said they were aware of reports that an NGO had initiated the JR application but stressed that neither the family nor their legal representatives had authorised such a move.

“Our clients have never given permission or instructions to any party to file any application related to these proceedings. 

“Any action or application made without a mandate from our clients or the legal team does not align with their interests and does not reflect the family’s position," he added. 

The lawyers added that they have yet to receive an official copy of the JR application.

According to them, the inquest at the Coroner’s Court continues in accordance with existing legal provisions unless the court orders otherwise.

They also rejected suggestions that the inquest has delayed justice for Zara, who died on 16 July 2025 following an incident involving senior students at her residential school.

“This inquest has never slowed down justice for Zara,” the statement read. “Instead, it has helped record and clarify several important facts before the criminal proceedings in the Children’s Court begin.”

Among the facts documented during the inquest were events on the night of 15 July 2025, including Zara’s emotional state after being summoned by senior students; issues involving her personal diary, which had been read, copied, scanned and shared; and the absence of a warden on duty on the night of the incident. 

The inquest also heard that Zara’s locker had been searched without her presence under the pretext of a “spot check.”

The lawyers said that all findings had been summarised in their inquest reports and submitted ahead of the children’s criminal proceedings, scheduled to begin on 8 December 2025.

They also noted that contempt of court proceedings involving two individuals are set for 1 December 2025, just a week before the hearing of the application to nullify the inquest.

“The legal team will continue monitoring all developments and will ensure the inquest proceeds in an orderly, professional, and independent manner, free from any external interference,” they said.