A disciplinary unit secretary told a coroner’s court that five students linked to Zara Qairina’s case received only verbal warnings from the school
KOTA KINABALU: The Coroner’s Court heard that five students, the last to meet Zara Qairina Mahathir before her death, were only given verbal warnings for allegedly using abusive words towards her.
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha Disciplinary Unit secretary Muliati Alihuddin said the students were also referred to guidance and counselling teachers.
The 42-year-old witness explained the school did not issue penalty points as the case remains under police investigation and is subject to ongoing court proceedings.
She confirmed this under questioning by lawyer Shahlan Jufri, who represents Zara Qairina’s mother in the inquest before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan.
Muliati also testified the school received a separate bullying complaint in September involving a male student who was allegedly slapped and kicked.
Two male students in that case were suspended for one week and later referred for counselling.
She clarified the suspension was imposed because that incident involved physical contact, unlike the case concerning the five students.
The witness acknowledged the five students had breached school regulations by holding an unauthorised meeting and using abusive language.
Reading from her statement, Muliati informed the court that Zara Qairina’s family declined a post-mortem to expedite burial on the same night.
She said she overheard the conversation while at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17.
“I, along with another teacher, heard that Zara Qairina’s mother had contacted the hearse service,” she testified.
Muliati added she first came to know Zara Qairina when handling a sexual harassment complaint lodged by the girl in March.
Zara Qairina, 13, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory.
The inquest proceedings continue tomorrow. – Bernama
