A close friend told court about their shared diary and described Zara Qairina as kind and cheerful during the inquest into her death.
KOTA KINABALU: A witness told the Coroner’s Court that she and Zara Qairina Mahathir maintained a shared diary about their friendship since May last year.
The 32nd witness, who had been close friends with Zara Qairina since primary school, testified during the inquest into the Form One student’s death.
Lawyer Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh, representing Zara Qairina’s mother, said the witness confirmed they started the joint diary in May 2024.
“The witness stated that nobody else was permitted to read the diary except the two of them,” said Mohd Syarulnizam when sharing the child witness’s testimony.
He added that the witness last saw the diary in February 2025.
The lawyer said the witness described Zara Qairina as a kind and cheerful person who made genuine efforts to maintain their friendship.
She reportedly bought gifts for her friend as part of maintaining their close bond.
“The witness said she enjoyed being friends with Zara Qairina,” Mohd Syarulnizam shared.
The witness also testified that Zara Qairina was very close to her mother, who accompanied her everywhere.
Her mother would personally drive her to and from visits to the witness’s house.
Meanwhile, lawyer Joan Goh, representing one of the teenagers in the bullying case, shared additional testimony from the same witness.
The witness stated that throughout their friendship, Zara Qairina rarely spoke about her father.
She also never mentioned having any problems with her mother or family.
Zara Qairina, 13, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17.
This occurred one day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory.
The proceeding continues tomorrow. – Bernama
