Zara Qairina's case: ‘Plot twist’ theory signals breach of confidentiality

KOTA KINABALU – The legal team representing the mother of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir believes that the emergence of the so-called “plot twist” narrative on social media since last week, alleging that the Form One student’s death was due to emotional distress caused by her own mother, indicates a possible leak of the case’s investigation file.

In a statement issued by lawyers Hamid Ismail and Shahlan Jufri, it said that a paper, allegedly Zara Qairina’s “diary,” had become the source of this narrative and was even labelled as “material evidence.”

“If this paper was part of Zara Qairina’s personal belongings taken from her dormitory locker by police after her death, then it suggests that the contents of the investigation file were leaked to the public to build a malicious narrative and create negative perceptions about Zara Qairina and her mother.

“As a result, the integrity of the investigation has been compromised,” the statement read.

Following this, the legal team said it had sent a letter to the Attorney General to request and appeal for the following actions to be taken in the name of justice for the case:

“That the investigation file be returned to the police and the case reopened, with the investigation to be led by an experienced officer from Bukit Aman.

“That Zara Qairina’s grave be exhumed for a post-mortem to determine the actual cause of death and that an inquest be held to determine whether any criminal elements were involved in her death,” they said.

They also urged the Attorney General to exercise his powers under Section 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code to instruct a magistrate to conduct an inquest.

“Our client is not seeking a victory through the investigation, she only wants justice for her daughter Zara Qairina.

“She has always been cooperative with the police. Therefore, today we will be handing over all of Zara Qairina’s clothes and personal belongings as requested by the police.

“The police contacted us yesterday for this purpose. We also wish to thank all individuals and groups who have shown solidarity in various ways, including peaceful student assemblies, signature campaigns, as well as the creation of songs, poems and social media posts.

“However, we also urge all parties to refrain from any speculation that could defame or falsely accuse anyone,” they said.

Previously, the legal team had been representing Noraidah Lamat, 45, in connection with the death of her daughter, who was reported to have fallen from the third floor of a religious school hostel in Papar on July 16.