KOTA KINABALU: Police found no family ties between Students A, B, C, D and E and any VIPs, VVIPs or politicians, the Coroner's Court was told.
Investigating officer Inspector Wong Yew Zhung also testified that his investigation found no evidence of protection, influence or other intervention by VIPs, VVIPs or politicians to help the students evade legal action.
The 83rd witness said this when questioned by lawyer Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah during the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Fikry: Based on your investigation, did you find that any VIPs, VVIPs or politicians had family ties with Students A, B, C, D and E?
Wong: No.
Fikry: Based on your investigation, did you find any evidence that any VIPs, VVIPs or politicians had provided protection, exerted influence or taken any action to help Students A, B, C, D and E evade legal action in this case?
Wong: None.
Meanwhile, Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan asked Wong to explain his understanding of the terms VIP and VVIP referred to in the lawyer's questions.
Wong said he understood a VIP to include someone such as a social media influencer, but maintained that no influencer had pressured him or approached other witnesses in connection with the five students.
Asked whether he had faced any pressure from any party throughout the investigation, Wong said the stress he experienced came from handling the case itself and that he had tried his best to remain professional.
Zara was found unconscious on the ground floor of her school hostel on July 16, 2025, and was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
Her remains were exhumed on Aug 9, 2025, before a post-mortem examination was conducted the following day at the Forensic Medicine Department of QEH.
On Aug 20, 2025, five minors, identified by the pseudonyms Students A, B, C, D and E, were charged in the Court for Children with insulting Zara. All five pleaded not guilty.
The inquest began on Sept 3, 2025, to establish the cause and circumstances of Zara's death, including whether any criminal elements were involved.
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