By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Family members would find difficult to accept that Zara Qairina Mahathir had committed suicide as she had not shown any signs of distress, the court heard.
On the 72nd day of inquest, lawyer Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah questioned Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Chua Sze Hung on his conclusion that Zara Qairina's manner of death was consistent with suicide.
Dr Chua said Zara Qairina would have had serious emotional and psychological distress, despite others describing her as a cheerful person.
The expert said those with suicidal tendencies may hide or mask their true feelings to avoid showing signs of distress so as to not worry or alarm those around them, particularly family members.
Dr Chua, however, highlighted there was non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and the "barcode" injuries, as signs and indicators of emotional distress or psychological distress.
In previous proceedings, the court was told by several witnesses that Zara Qairina had shown these "barcode" markings to others.
Fikry: When the patient has suicidal tendencies, it is common for the family members to later experience shock, denial, or disbelief upon learning that the patient had committed suicide. Would you agree?
Dr Chua: Agree.
Fikry: Family members would not been aware of the patient's internal struggles or suicidal thoughts and would later find it difficult to accept that the patient had taken their own life. Would you agree?
Dr Chua: Agree.
Fikry: The reaction of denial or disbelief from family members is not unusual in suicide cases especially when the deceased appeared normal or happy before the death. Would you agree?
Dr Chua: Agree.
Fikry: The family's difficulty in accepting the possibility of suicide does not by itself disprove the forensic or psychological findings consistent with suicide. Do you agree?
Dr Chua: Agree.
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