KOTA KINABALU: A classmate testified that Zara Qairina Mahathir shared a good relationship with her mother Noraidah Lamat during the inquest into the teenager’s death.
The 25th witness described staying at Zara’s Sipitang home for two nights and observing their cordial interactions.
Lawyer Shahlan Jufri, representing Zara’s mother, said the witness recalled doing homework together and being taken around Pekan Sipitang by Noraidah.
The witness confirmed seeing Noraidah wash and iron Zara’s clothes during the home stay.
She also testified that Zara appeared cheerful and lively at school without signs of stress or bullying.
According to Shahlan, the witness saw Zara writing in a dark green diary about her aspiration to become a Badar.
Zara reportedly admired a senior student who held the surau prefect role at their school.
Meanwhile, lawyer Joan Goh revealed the witness’s money went missing on July 14 and was later found in Zara’s locker.
The witness identified her money by a small black ink mark on one RM10 note.
Two other child witnesses, the 24th and 26th, also testified during the proceedings.
Zara Qairina was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at 4 am on July 16.
The 13-year-old was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17.
The inquest will resume on Thursday before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan. – Bernama
