Zara inquest: As kids testify, prosecutor to ask AG on media coverage

A conducting officer in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir today informed the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court that instructions will be sought from the attorney-general regarding media coverage, as child witnesses have begun testifying.

Sabah prosecution director Nahra Dollah made the remark when Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan asked whether the media could be allowed to cover the proceedings, given their high-profile nature.

As there was no objection from the parties involved, Nahra said she would obtain instructions from the attorney-general.

Since Monday, media personnel have been barred from the courtroom floor during in-camera testimony to protect the identity of child witnesses. So far, two student witnesses have testified.

Under the Evidence of Child Witness Act 2017, the publication of any details that may identify a minor is strictly prohibited.

Another 33 child witnesses are expected to testify in the inquest during the upcoming sessions.

To date, eight adult witnesses have already given evidence in the proceedings, with an additional 25 anticipated to testify in subsequent sessions.

Zara died on July 17 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was buried at the Tanjung Ubi Muslim cemetery in Sipitang the same day. She was admitted to the hospital a day earlier after being found unconscious near a drain at her school hostel in Papar at 4am.

On Aug 8, the Attorney-General’s Chambers ordered her remains to be exhumed for a post-mortem, before announcing an inquest into her death on Aug 13.

- Bernama

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