Taki: Probe, punish those behind botched initial probe on Zara's death

PARLIAMENT | The opposition today demanded that the police explain why they did not order a post-mortem for the body of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir following her mysterious death in Sabah last month.

Its chief whip, Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), said such an order should have been a standard procedure whenever there is a sudden death case.

“I want to ask the police, according to procedures... Whenever a person dies, a burial permit is required (before the body can be buried).

“But in this mysterious tragedy, how could the police give permission for the body to be buried before a post-mortem is carried out?” he asked when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan proposal this afternoon.

Adding further, Takiyuddin claimed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers returning police investigation papers with an instruction for them to complete the probe has also proved that the enforcement agency did not do a proper job in the first place.

The PAS secretary-general then called for the home and education ministers to present to the Dewan Rakyat a detailed report on the case.

He also agreed with a suggestion by Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) that authorities should also investigate the officers involved in the initial probe on Zara’s death.

This is to identify the weaknesses in the investigation and identify those responsible, he said.

“The investigation should identify the individuals who issued orders that caused the weaknesses in the initial probe, and also determine whether there was any influence, either from inside the police force or outside.

“Appropriate punishment or disciplinary actions should also be decided against those who violated procedures or committed any wrongdoing that led to the weaknesses in police investigation,” Saifuddin said.

The former law minister also urged authorities to investigate whether there was any violation of Section 201 of the Penal Code, which deals with hiding or disposing of evidence of a crime.

‘Give cops space’

Meanwhile, Amanah MPs in a press conference at Parliament urged all parties not to politicise Zara’s death case.

Aminolhuda Hassan (Sri Gading), Sany Hamzan (Hulu Langat), Azli Yusof (Shah Alam), and Suhaizan Kaiat (Pulai) called for the public to give the police space and trust to complete their investigation.

“We urge all parties not to politicise the issue of bullying and human life. The victim’s family is going through an extremely painful time - please do not hurt their feelings with unfounded speculation or political rhetoric. Respect their feelings and dignity.

“We also give our assurance that the Madani government will ensure the investigation is completed transparently, regardless of who is involved, as has been repeatedly emphasised by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“We are committed to continuously monitoring this case to ensure justice for the late Zara and her family,” Aminolhuda said.

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