Over 5k rally in Pahang to demand justice for Zara

Despite a last-minute change of venue and heavy rain, the “Justice For Zara” solidarity rally last night managed to gather about 5,000 people at Padang Awam Cenderawasih in Kuantan, Pahang.

The event was originally planned to take place at Dataran Serambi Teruntum, but the Kuantan City Council (MBK) rejected organiser Pertubuhan Kebajikan Prihatin Semambu’s application without stating a reason.

Most participants began filling the rain-soaked field after performing “solat hajat” prayers at the nearby Saidina Umar Al-Khatab Mosque.

They carried posters and banners while chanting “justice for Zara”, “reject bullying”, and “demand justice”.

The atmosphere grew more spirited with short speeches from several figures, including Pahang PAS commissioner Rosli Abdul Jabar and Beserah assemblyperson Andansura Rabu.

‘Not about race, religion’

Rosli, in his speech, stressed that the demand for justice for 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir transcended religion, race, and politics.

“Zara was Malay, but I saw people of various races attending the many solidarity rallies held nationwide.

“She was Muslim, yet people of various faiths joined in. Zara did not belong to any political party, and clearly this issue is not political,” he added.

He also took a jab at the authorities who denied the original venue application.

“You know this rally was supposed to be held at Serambi Teruntum, but at the last minute, we had to move here.

“That means we, too, were ‘bullied’ in this matter. But never mind… if we were to hold another rally like this, will all of you come?” he asked, drawing cheers from the crowd.

More protests coming

Malaysian Islamic Students’ Association (Gamis) president Azamuddin Sahar yesterday called on Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to resign, accusing her of failing to address bullying cases, especially the one involving Zara.

He announced that Gamis members would head to the Education Ministry in Putrajaya at 10.30am today to press for urgent action in Zara’s case.

Zara, a Form One student at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Sabah, was reported to have fallen from the third floor of her hostel building and was found unconscious in a drain nearby at 4am on July 16.

She was pronounced dead the next day while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I in Kota Kinabalu.

On Aug 10, Pahang ruler Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah decreed all mosques and surau in the state to perform a special solat hajat, praying for Zara’s justice process to be eased and for truth to prevail.

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