Thousands gather in Kota Kinabalu to demand justice for Zara
Published on: Fri, Aug 15, 2025
By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Liew standing among the crowd at the gathering. - Pic by Jonathan Nicholas | Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: More than 10,000 people dressed in black gathered at Padang Merdeka on Friday night to call for justice for 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, whose death in a school hostel remains under investigation. The gathering, which began at 7.50pm, opened with the Sabah state anthem and a prayer before the crowd chanted 'Tangkap Penjenayah' (Arrest the Criminals) in unison. People from all walks of life attended the event, showing unity in their grief and determination to seek answers. Political leaders from both sides of the divide were present, reflecting the broad support for the call to end bullying and protect children. Among them was Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, who attended with volunteers and representatives from local non-governmental organisations. She stressed the need for reforms to ensure that tragedies like Zara's death do not recur, highlighting the importance of a safe environment for students, especially in boarding schools. Christina also called for a proactive approach in tackling bullying, with early intervention to identify risks before they escalate into life-threatening situations. She emphasised that the issue extended beyond schools, noting that bullying has affected people in workplaces and other settings across the country. Throughout the night, the crowd chanted 'We Are All Zara' as a reminder that her memory fuels the push for change and that no other child should endure the same fate. The atmosphere was one of solidarity, with attendees sharing the grief of Zara's mother, Noraidah Lamat, and pledging to continue the fight for justice. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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Annuar sits with the crowd. KENINGAU (Aug 17): A light drizzle did not dampen the spirit of more than 6,000 people who gathered at the Keningau Sports Complex field in a historic and emotionally charged rally, 'Justice for Zara,' demanding justice for the late Zara Qairina Mahathir on Saturday. The peaceful assembly, regarded as one of the most significant ever organised in Sabah, was marked by powerful expressions of solidarity, patriotism and a united call to uphold the rule of law. Community activist Alphonsus Felix Manjin described the gathering as unprecedented. 'In my view, this was the best peaceful gathering ever held in Keningau. The huge turnout and the spirit of solidarity among the people made it a great success,' he said. The rally reached moving heights when both the national anthem Negaraku and Sabah's state anthem Sabah Tanah Airku were sung. Alphonsus said the anthems carried deep meaning, igniting patriotism and underscoring the people's demand for justice. 'The justice we seek is not only for young Zara, but also for the injustices long endured by the people of Sabah since the formation of Malaysia. The gathering was no coincidence — I believe it was by God's will that this issue has been lifted up,' he added. The event also saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister I and Keningau Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, and Liawan Assemblyman, Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman. Their attendance sent a strong message that the struggle for justice is shared by both leaders and the people. When met, Annuar described the rally as a reflection of the people's conscience. 'This assembly is not just a voice, but a cry from the heart for the late Zara Qairina. No more children must fall victim to cruelty. Justice must be served,' he said. Annuar's decision to sit on the field together with the attendees, setting aside rank and political differences, drew warm reactions from netizens. Social media comments described him as 'truly caring,' 'a leader of the people,' and 'humble enough to sit with everyone, even in the rain.' Participants at the rally also questioned the relevance of the Rukun Negara's principle of Kedaulatan Undang-Undang (The Rule of Law), asking what value it holds if not respected. 'Where has the principle of the Rule of Law gone? What is the point of proclaiming it if it is not upheld? What meaning does an agreement have if it is not honoured? Laws are promises that must be respected,' Alphonsus stressed. Observers noted that the massive turnout and the rain-soaked chants of solidarity reflected a broader message, that justice for Zara represents justice for every child in Sabah, and by extension, for all children in Malaysia. From the wet field of Keningau, a resounding message echoed far beyond district borders: 'Justice for Zara is justice for all.'
