Zara case may rock Sabah polls

The Star

2 days ago

KOTA KINABALU: The Zara Qairina Mahathir case has not just opened an ugly can of worms over bullying at school; it could also cause political ripples ahead of the state election this year.
The outpouring of emotions and anger across Sabah remains unabated even as Bukit Aman steps in to take a fresh look into the circumstances leading to the death of the 13-year-old Form 1 student after an apparent fall at her third-floor dormitory of a religious school in Papar.
The perceived failure of the state police to carry out a transparent probe and alleged interference from 'hidden hands' have seen thousands attend #JusticeforZara rallies across Sabah, demanding answers over her death.
Besides rallies in Sandakan and Tawau on Saturday, there was also a gathering in Labuan on Sunday.
Yesterday, over two dozen protesters marched from Tugu Negara in Kuala Lumpur to the Parliament building, before handing a memorandum to a group of MPs from both sides of the divide.
Many perceive the Zara Qairina case as an institutional failure and injustice, says Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Prof Dr Romzi Ationg.
'This collective emotional response is likely to influence voter sentiment, particularly on issues of justice, child safety, and trust in authorities, during the state election,' he said.
The 17th Sabah state election has to be held before Nov 11, when the state assembly's term ends.
Prof Romzi said voters might increasingly prioritise candidates and parties who commit to transparency, accountability and institutional reform, especially concerning education and law enforcement.
'Delays and lapses in the investigation have eroded public confidence,' he said.
Prof Romzi said the government needed to mitigate the rising anger.
'They should consider setting up a transparent, independent inquiry, possibly via a multi-stakeholder panel,' he said.
'This panel must communicate clearly and with compassion, emphasising child protection and responsiveness to public concerns.
'Steps must also be taken to implement structural reforms such as anti-bullying protocols in schools, mandated safety measures in hostels and accessible reporting mechanisms.'
Prof Romzi said the unprecedented large crowds were due to universal empathy and the perceived mishandling of the case – which saw a rapid burial without investigation – while speculative rumours intensified public frustration.
'The way leaders and institutions handle the issue in the next few weeks or months will decide whether this anger dissipates or solidifies into long-term resentment that influences voter behaviour,' he added.
On social media, people shared that they attended the rallies because they wanted justice for Zara as well as answers. They do not want truth to be swept under the carpet.
Christine B., a 38-year-old mother of three, admitted that it could affect her vote.
'Of course, it will affect the current government apart from other basic issues such as water and electricity cuts that we are already facing,' she said.
Christine's thoughts were echoed by other mothers, which will add to the challenges for the state government led by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan coalition.
As things stand, Pakatan candidates will not be challenged by either GRS or Barisan Nasional, but GRS and Barisan are expected to contest against each other. All three are part of the Federal unity government.
'There are already many infrastructure woes that the government has yet to address. The Zara case is another blow,' said Martha, a mother of two, who wants to see a real system in place for all schoolchildren.
Pointing to viral recordings of conversations between Zara Qairina and her mother over bullying in school, Martha hopes the Bukit Aman probe will uncover the real truth.
The body of Zara Qairina, who was buried at her hometown in Mesapol, Sipitang, was exhumed on Saturday for a post-mortem before being re-buried.
Bukit Aman has also formed a special team to investigate her death.
Sabah Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and senior political leaders including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor have called for transparent investigations amid social media demands and speculations about her death.