Zara's death: 21 probes on alleged attempts to incite unrest

Summary

• Home Minister Saifuddin says 21 probes have been opened on alleged attempts to incite unrest concerning the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.

• Opposition MPs further question the discrepancy in the amount of money spent for Jalur Gemilang badges as compared to installing CCTVs at residential schools.

PARLIAMENT | Investigations into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir have been expanded to include individuals found to have manipulated the issue to spark public unrest, according to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Addressing the Dewan Rakyat for a special minister’s briefing, he said police have opened 21 investigation papers, including against a school teacher who, in a TikTok live session, claimed the 13-year-old was placed inside a washing machine.

“Earlier, it was one teacher, but we have opened 21 investigation papers in total.

“This involves the spread of false news on social media, lies that led to street gatherings. I understand that the people coming out is a signal to the government.

“Immediate action must be taken if there are elements of (wrongdoing). Perpetrators, bring them to justice. And that is what we will implement,” he stressed.

Previously, it was reported that a 39-year-old was arrested in Rawang under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 323 of the Penal Code, in connection with the false claims of Zara being placed inside a washing machine.

Saifuddin today stressed that the government’s commitment to justice must be grounded in the law, rather than half-truths and assumptions shared on social media.

“We must carry out the investigation professionally and transparently, with valid evidence according to the law. We are a civilised society, a nation governed by the rule of law.

“Action cannot be taken based on assumptions, social media rumours, political pressure, or demonstrations carried out in the name of seeking justice,” he said.

In recent days, following the exhumation of Zara’s body and a pending inquest, various solidarity rallies were held across Sabah, as well as in Kuala Lumpur, to demand justice and action against her alleged bullies and those who allegedly enabled the bullying.

Vast discrepancy

In following debates, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) chided Saifuddin for supposedly disrespecting Zara's family by referring to her as a "dead child" (budak mati).

The PAS Youth chief also offered five crisis management suggestions for the Education Ministry, including to have a single spokesperson; timely and periodical updates on various mediums; as well as to announce "serious and convincing" measures against bullying.

"For example, installing CCTVs is a serious measure, but the cost to purchase Jalur Gemilang pins is more expensive," he noted.

On Saturday, the Education Ministry reportedly announced an allocation of RM3 million to install CCTVs at selected residential schools.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek in a written response last week confirmed the government had spent RM8.4 million to procure Jalur Gemilang badges for distribution to more than 5.14 million students nationwide.

Separately, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) who stood up to interject Afnan's debate today questioned the ministry's "lopsided" procurement priorities.

"They spent more on Jalur Gemilang pins, but only RM3 million for CCTVs," he said.

Earlier in his briefing, Saifuddin had taken a jab at Zulkifli Ismail (PN-Jasin) over the PAS lawmaker's "qunut nazilah" recitation during last month's "Turun Anwar" rally - praying for destruction of and protection against "tyrannical" leaders.

In response, Zulkifli, who also interjected Afnan's debate, again defended his act and stressed that the government should not fear such prayer unless they behave in a tyrannical manner.

Reporting by Alyaa Alhadjri, Zarrah Morden

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