Zara's body to be exhumed for post-mortem, MP warns of mental health spin

The remains of Zara Qairina Mahathir, the Form One student who died after being found unconscious in a drain near a school hostel in Papar, Sabah, are expected to be exhumed for a post-mortem to be conducted.

Berita Harian reported that her mother, Noraidah Lamat, 45, has instructed lawyers to initiate the necessary legal steps.

Noraidah said she was never advised to request a post-mortem at the time of burial. Zara, who died on July 17, was buried on the same night. 

“I want the questions that have been circling in my mind for the past 14 days about the real cause of Zara’s death to be answered,” said the mother, as allegations of bullying have surfaced.

Earlier today, former higher education minister Saifuddin Abdullah said he had also raised the post-mortem issue with the family’s lawyers.

The Perikatan Nasional lawmaker, who oversees the coalition’s education portfolio, said he had advised the lawyers to ensure the post-mortem is conducted if it hasn’t been done.

“I have been informed that this is currently in progress,” he added in a statement.

Saifuddin also expressed concerns about attempts to promote narratives related to mental health issues or family problems, which may then lead to the conclusion that this was a suicide. 

“Such narratives could undermine the chances of this case being resolved fairly and transparently,” he cautioned.

Saifuddin claims VVIP link

On Wednesday, Saifuddin highlighted the case in the Dewan Rakyat, posing queries on the actual cause of the student’s death and seeking confirmation on alleged criminal elements in the case.

He also sought the Education Ministry’s insight on claims that Zara’s school principal is related to a “VVIP”.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry is giving top priority to the case, assuring that a fair and transparent investigation would be carried out to ensure justice is served.

“We are fully cooperating with the police. So, for this matter, all aspects related to assisting the investigation are being given full attention… we also need to be fair by ensuring the well-being of the school community,” she said.

Yesterday, Deputy Higher Education Minister Mustapha Sakmud called any attempts to link Zara’s death to his wife, a former principal at the girl’s school, baseless slander and political manipulation.

Mustapha explained that his wife had retired as the school’s principal eight months before Zara died.

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