A senior student testified that Zara Qairina was mocked for recording prayer absences, describing her as a cheerful and friendly person.
KOTA KINABALU: A senior student testified that she was aware other students mocked Zara Qairina Mahathir for “pretending to be Badar”.
The 23rd witness, a hostel resident in the same block as Zara Qairina, gave her testimony on the 29th day of the inquest into the teenager’s death.
Lawyer Rizwandean M Borhan, representing Zara Qairina’s mother, said the witness explained the teasing began when Zara Qairina started recording names of students who did not perform prayers.
“The witness said she would remain silent and never told Zara Qairina to stop writing down the names,” Rizwandean told reporters after proceedings.
The witness described Badar members’ duties as managing dakwah programmes and questioning students who failed to perform prayers.
She recognised Zara Qairina as a junior staying in the same hostel block and often met the teenager around April.
The witness described Zara Qairina as a good, cheerful and friendly person who respected senior students.
“According to the witness, Zara Qairina once wished her ‘Good Luck’ before July 16 as she was involved in a hockey tournament,” said Rizwandean.
The witness recalled teaching Zara Qairina Arabic language after Zara sought her help.
Lawyer Joan Goh, representing one of the children charged, said the witness last saw Zara Qairina on July 15 at about 2 pm in the surau.
“The witness said she did not know what happened before Zara Qairina was found unconscious,” she said.
The witness testified that Zara Qairina had never complained about being bullied by anyone.
Zara Qairina, 13, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17 after being found unconscious in a drain near her school hostel.
The inquest proceedings will continue tomorrow. – Bernama
