'Justice for Zara': Bersatu Youth demands Saifuddin, Fadhlina resign

Bersatu Youth has called for the immediate resignations of two ministers accused of failing in their duties to handle the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, which has sparked public outrage.

Its chief Hilman Idham claimed that massive gatherings across Sabah last night, Zara’s home state, reflected a collapse of public trust in the government.

“Although the prime minister has given assurances that justice will be served, the gatherings show the awareness and awakening of the people, particularly mothers, who no longer have confidence in the education system, law enforcement, and the justice system.

“It is clear that the education minister and the home minister have failed to manage this case properly,” said the Gombak Setia assemblyperson, referring to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Last night, thousands gathered across three east coast towns in Sabah - Tawau, Sandakan, and Lahad Datu - to demand justice for Zara (above).

The vigils coincided with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) ordering police to exhume Zara’s remains for a second post-mortem, following a review of the preliminary investigation report submitted by the police.

Hilman claimed that confusion and shortcomings in the investigation were glaring, citing the government’s inability to answer why no post-mortem was conducted initially.

“Is this (post-mortem) not a basic procedure or SOP?” he asked.

Zara was found unconscious in a drain below her school dormitory in Papar on July 16 and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I in Kota Kinabalu.

Her family believes bullying may have played a role.

Hilman stressed that a special inquest should be immediately established to investigate Zara’s death.

In another statement, Hulu Langat Bersatu information chief Shafiq Abdul Halim backed calls for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the schoolgirl’s death.

“Once the investigation for the purpose of fact-finding through the RCI is complete, the government should appoint external or private lawyers to handle this case.

“This step is important given that this case is high-profile and may involve interested parties or individuals with VVIP status, thus requiring careful handling with integrity to ensure that justice is served to the victim and family,” he said.

Shafiq called the situation a test for the government to restore public confidence in the integrity of its enforcement bodies.

Pejuang joins public outcry

Separately, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali said exhuming Zara’s body is a necessary step to uncover the full truth.

He said there was also a need for a comprehensive investigation covering all aspects of the “deeply distressing” incident.

“Pejuang urges the police to review all directives from the AGC and to carry out every aspect of the investigation with transparency and sincerity.

“The laws of this country must be applied fairly to all parties, regardless of status, position, wealth, or name,” he said in a statement today.

Rafique also stressed that schools must be safe spaces for students and that society as a whole must ensure this remains the case.

He also expressed support for cross-party cooperation and collaboration with welfare organisations and the wider community to ensure the case is not “swept under the carpet and forgotten”.

He further praised the massive turnout across Sabah last night in solidarity with the cause.

“The sea of people who turned out proves that the public wants to see justice done,” he said.

Standing with brave demonstrators

Sabah DAP chairperson Phoong Jin Zhe expressed solidarity with those who gathered in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, and other locations last night in support of Zara’s family.

“I stand firmly with the people of Sabah - especially those who bravely gathered and demonstrated - to show support and solidarity with the family of the late Zara Qairina,” said the Luyang assemblyperson.

The state industrial development and entrepreneurship minister also urged all parties to fully cooperate so that ongoing investigations can be based on facts and their findings announced promptly to avoid unfounded speculation.

“Sabah DAP stands in solidarity with Zara’s family, the people of Sabah, and all Malaysians in ensuring that truth and justice are upheld,” he added.

Pakatan Harapan Youth chief Woo Kah Leong urged the relevant investigative agencies to immediately re-investigate Zara’s death.

“Our country cannot let a child die without any explanation.

“The truth is an absolute necessity, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that the investigation process is carried out transparently, fairly, and free from any interference,” he said.

He added that if elements of bullying are unearthed, then the government must implement comprehensive reforms to prevent any recurrences and to protect students.

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