School principal never received full report on Zara Qairina incident, inquest told

 

The principal of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha was never given the full report of the school’s internal investigation into the incident involving Zara Qairina Mahathir, the coroner’s court heard today. — STR/MOHD ADAM ARININ

KOTA KINABALU: The principal of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha was never given the full report of the school's internal investigation into the incident involving Zara Qairina Mahathir, the coroner's court heard today.

Nur Shukriah Mohd Fauzi, the school's 53rd witness, said she believed a verbal briefing was sufficient.

The 37-year-old said neither a physical nor digital copy of the internal investigation report was given to the principal, who had been preoccupied following the July 16 incident.

"After July 17, the principal was always busy. She had to attend meetings at the Sabah Education Department and courses at IAB (Institute Aminuddin Baki).

"In my opinion, verbally informing her was enough as the case had been fully taken over by the police," she said, adding that police were involved after the school warden lodged a report on July 16.

She was responding to questions from lawyer Clarice Vyonne Conrad, who suggested that the internal investigation report — completed on the morning of July 17 — should have been formally handed to the principal as the head of the school.

Clarice represents Zara's family members.

Shukriah said the internal inquiry focused solely on establishing what happened to Zara from July 16 until she was found on the ground floor of the school dormitory.

She also told coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan that a meeting was held on July 17 to outline the chronology of events.

Clarice: During the meeting, was there any discussion about informing Zara's mother of the incident on July 16, given that the internal inquiry had already been carried out?

Shukriah: It was not discussed.

Clarice: Why not? Zara's mother deserved to know.

Shukriah: In my view, the inquiry was only to record preliminary statements and no decisions were made, so I felt it was not necessary.

Clarice: Even if it was only preliminary, shouldn't it have been conveyed to the mother?

Shukriah: That question should be directed to the administration. Based on the hierarchy,

 above us is the Student Affairs Senior Assistant (PK HEM), and they are the ones authorised to make the final decision.

Inquest continues.