AGC mulls contempt charge against Shafie over remarks on Zara case

Summary

• Shafie Apdal allegedly questions delay issues in Zara Qairina Mahathir’s case, with the AGC saying such a statement could create inaccurate public perceptions and disrupt ongoing court proceedings.

• Coroner’s Court issues a show-cause notice to the Warisan president for his statement.

The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has cautioned that Shafie Apdal could face a contempt of court charge over his remarks on the inquest into Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death.

This came after the Warisan president allegedly accused authorities, particularly the police, of mishandling Zara’s case.

In a statement today, the AGC said it is reviewing in detail the contents of Shafie’s statement, which it said was made during an event on Sept 20.

“Such a statement has the potential to create inaccurate perceptions among the public and disrupt ongoing court proceedings.

“(The AGC) stresses that it will not hesitate to take firm action under the provisions of the law, including initiating contempt of court proceedings, once the review is completed,” it affirmed.

It also reiterated its reminder for the public not to engage in acts that could cause confusion or jeopardise proceedings before the Coroner’s Court.

It was previously reported that a video circulating on social media showed Shafie, who was speaking at a political event, touching on Zara’s case.

“Now there’s an inquest. It’s taking too long. The child is dead. It’s not bullying, it’s murder. True or not?

“Why the delay? But we cannot say more, there’s an inquest,” he was heard saying in the clip.

Reckless statement

In response to the Semporna MP’s claims, legal representatives for the four students accused of bullying Zara described his remarks as “reckless, dangerous, and an affront to the court.”

“Exploiting a tragedy for political gain is the lowest point any politician can go. Justice belongs in court, not on the campaign trail,” Free Malaysia Today quoted the lawyers as saying in a statement last night.

The lawyers - Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, Fareez Salleh, and Sylyester Kuan - represent four students who have been charged in a separate case with verbally abusing Zara.

They also represent students B, C, D, and E in the inquest into Zara’s death.

Show-cause notice

During inquest proceedings today, the Coroner’s Court issued a show-cause notice to Shafie over his disputed statements, with coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan allowing the application made by lawyer Ram Singh.

New Straits Times reported that the application by the lawyer, who represents another student witness in the inquest, was supported by all parties in the proceedings.

The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding Zara’s fall from the third floor of her school dormitory in July.

The 13-year-old boarding school 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 bullying her.

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

Activist sorry for FB post challenging pathologist in Zara inquest

Lawyer lodges police report over leaked witness details in Zara's inquest

Zara's mum had 'no tears left to cry' - witness

Head warden breaks down, denies protecting Zara's bully, killer

One of 5 accused transferred to another school after Zara's incident, court hears

Zara's mother refused post-mortem despite explanations, doctor tells court

Zara inquest: AGC red cards FB user for contempt; lawyers harassed