Zara's inquest: Pathologist lodges report over netizens' threats

Summary

• Forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu lodges a police report over online threats following her testimony at the inquest into Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death.

• Hiu had testified that Zara’s injuries were consistent with a fall and unlikely to be accidental, but left it to the court to decide on the cause of death.

• Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar urges the public not to prejudge the evidence, saying no further charges will be filed until the inquest concludes.

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Forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu, who recently testified in the coroner’s inquest on Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death, has reportedly lodged a police report against the threats she had received online.

According to the Malay-language daily Berita Harian, the matter was confirmed by Kota Kinabalu district police chief Kasim Muda.

“We received the report from her yesterday evening.

“In the report, (Hiu) stated she was informed by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital director about the threats,” he was quoted as saying.

However, the report said Kasim did not elaborate on the nature of Hiu’s complaint.

Zara, a 13-year-old student from Papar, was found injured and unconscious on school grounds on July 16. Despite being brought to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries the next day.

The case is believed to have been linked to months of bullying, with five teenagers being charged with allegedly bullying her.

The ongoing inquest is a separate court proceeding to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her death.

During her testimony on Sept 3 and 4, Hiu told the Coroner’s Court that Zara’s injuries are consistent with a fall, and she is unlikely to have fallen off her hostel by accident.

However, when asked whether Zara may have died by suicide, she said the matter is for the Coroner’s Court to decide.

Hiu’s testimony has drawn brickbats online, with some netizens questioning her credibility and hurling insults at her.

‘Let inquest process run’

Earlier today, Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar reportedly said his chamber is reviewing content posted on social media regarding Zara’s death.

“We hope the inquest process is allowed to run its course. Do not be in a hurry to make comments or any conclusions.

“Let the pathology expert give their testimony fully... we know some parties have questioned the (pathology) evidence; that is not good,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

In the meantime, he said his chamber has no plans to charge any other suspects until the inquest is complete and its findings have been reviewed.

The inquest is set to resume on Monday.

Suicide is a complex phenomenon with multiple contributing factors, but it is preventable, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone - please reach out for support:

• Talian Kasih Hotline: 15999 (Call) / +6019 26 15999 (WhatsApp)

• Health Ministry’s Talian Heal: 15555 (8am - 12am daily)

• The Befrienders Hotline: 03-76272929

• Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

• Life Line Association Malaysia Hotline: 03-42657995

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