KOTA KINABALU: The verdict in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir will be delivered on Jan 15 next year at 9am.
Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan also directed all parties to file their written submissions by Dec 15, 2026, and any clarifications to those submissions by Jan 8 next year.
He fixed the dates today after consulting all parties involved in the proceedings.
Amir said the notes of proceedings exceeded 5,200 pages. He needed sufficient time to consider the submissions and analyse the evidence before delivering his verdict.
He also said the verdict would be delivered in Bahasa Melayu, while submissions could be made in Malay, English or a combination of both languages.
The proceedings concluded on Wednesday after 96 days of hearings, more than a year after the inquest began on Sept 3, 2025. A total of 83 witnesses had testified.
In giving directions for the written submissions, Amir asked all parties to address any contradictions in the evidence, particularly that given by child witnesses.
He said the issue was important because the inquest had involved a considerable number of child witnesses.
He also asked the parties to assess the two visits to the scene conducted during the proceedings.
Apart from examining the evidence, Amir invited the parties to make recommendations on possible improvements to school and hostel management, investigation procedures and the conduct of inquests.
He cited the appointment of experienced hostel wardens as one example of a possible improvement.
Amir also raised the possibility of expediting the enforcement of a Coroners Act, noting that inquests currently operate under the Criminal Procedure Code.
He said the parties could address this issue in their written submissions, including the possible need for a comprehensive framework governing inquests and coroners' duties.
Amir said such recommendations could be considered for inclusion in the court's verdict.
He thanked all parties for their cooperation throughout the proceedings. He acknowledged that the inquest had taken considerable time because of the number of witnesses, particularly children.
He said that the court had to consider the evidence presented by all parties before reaching its findings.
Amir also expressed hope that the written submissions would help the court address questions arising from Zara's death.
He said that the court's findings must be based on evidence rather than speculation or opinions from outside the proceedings.
"We don't want any questions left unanswered. Hopefully, we can answer the questions," he said.
He added that where answers could not be established, the court remained bound by the evidence presented.
The inquest was convened to determine the cause and circumstances of Zara's death, including whether any criminal elements were involved.
Zara, 13, was found unconscious on the ground floor of her hostel and was pronounced dead at Hospital Queen Elizabeth on July 17, 2025.
Her death, which allegedly involved bullying, has prompted nationwide calls for stronger anti-bullying measures and greater accountability.
On Aug 20, 2025, five minors, identified only as Student A, B, C, D and E, were charged with using insulting words against Zara.
They pleaded not guilty, and the case is ongoing before the Court for Children.
The conducting officer team comprises former Sabah state prosecution director and current Melaka state prosecution director Nahra Dollah, along with deputy public prosecutors Mohd Fairuz Johari, Dana Arabi Wazani, Sofia S Sawayan and Dacia Jane Romanus.
Zara's mother, Noraidah Lamat, was represented by lawyers Shahlan Jufri, Datuk Rizwandean Bukhary M Borhan, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi Md Zain, Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh, Farrah Nasser and Elhanan James.
Zara's father, Mahathir Mohd Hashim, was represented by lawyers Sherzali Herza Asli, Nurul Rafeeqa Afdul Mutolip and Clarice Vyone Conrad.
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