20,000 attend Kota Belud rally demanding justice for Zara Qairina
The rally, held from 7pm to 9.30pm, sought to express solidarity as participants carried banners and placards, chanting "Justice For Zara.
Observations found that police were also present at the location to maintain peace.
The turnout, which included residents from the Kota Marudu and Kudat districts, continued to grow throughout the event, attracting people of all ages.
The organising chairman Nurul Fadzilah Noordin said the gathering demonstrated extraordinary unity and support, as people from different backgrounds came together.
"The presence at this solidarity gathering transcends political and social boundaries, focusing on a humanitarian issue.
"We stand together demanding justice for Zara Qairina," she said in her speech.
In addition to a whiteboard, a Perodua Myvi car was also used to collect signatures along with the slogan "Justice4Zara" written by participants.
Bottled water was provided free to attendees.
Zara Qairina was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital on 17.
She was found unconscious at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar at 4am the previous day.
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New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
20,000 attend Kota Belud rally demanding justice for Zara Qairina
KOTA BELUD: An estimated 20,000 people dressed in black flooded the field in Kota Belud town to show solidarity and demand justice for the late Zara Qairina Mahathir earlier today. The rally, held from 7pm to 9.30pm, sought to express solidarity as participants carried banners and placards, chanting "Justice For Zara. Observations found that police were also present at the location to maintain peace. The turnout, which included residents from the Kota Marudu and Kudat districts, continued to grow throughout the event, attracting people of all ages. The organising chairman Nurul Fadzilah Noordin said the gathering demonstrated extraordinary unity and support, as people from different backgrounds came together. "The presence at this solidarity gathering transcends political and social boundaries, focusing on a humanitarian issue. "We stand together demanding justice for Zara Qairina," she said in her speech. In addition to a whiteboard, a Perodua Myvi car was also used to collect signatures along with the slogan "Justice4Zara" written by participants. Bottled water was provided free to attendees. Zara Qairina was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital on 17. She was found unconscious at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar at 4am the previous day.
Daily Express
9 hours ago
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Solidarity event in KB unites 20,000 in call for justice for Zara
Published on: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 14, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: Some of the attendees. - Pic by R Gonzales | Daily Express KOTA BELUD: An estimated 20,000 people dressed in black gathered at the town field here on Thursday night to show solidarity over the death of Zara Qairina Matahir. The event, which ran from 7pm to 9.30pm, saw participants chanting 'Justice For Zara' while holding placards and banners. Police officers were present to maintain order as more people arrived from districts including Kota Marudu and Kudat, representing all ages. Organising chairperson Nurul Fadzilah Noordin said the gathering reflected unity across religious, ethnic and district lines in support of a humanitarian cause. Attendees also signed a whiteboard and a Perodua Myvi with 'Justice4Zara' messages, with bottled water provided free of charge. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
12 hours ago
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Zara's mother's initial autopsy refusal a 'natural' reaction, don't use it against her, says Sabah minister
KOTA KINABALU: Zara Qairina Mahathir's mother's decision to forgo a post mortem in the wake of her sudden tragic death should not be used against a grieving parent, says Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said. 'Zara's mother's decision to refuse a post-mortem just after her death is in essence, a natural human reaction and should not be subjected to public condemnation or moral judgement," the Sabah DAP chairman said. The state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister said that her reaction was natural for any parent or family member just grappling with the sudden death of their only child. "It would have been an overwhelming period of panic, grief, and confusion, making it impossible to think rationally, let alone make the best decision in a short time," he said. "Instead, we should be asking why the officers at the scene failed to follow standard operating procedure (SOP) by patiently and clearly explaining the relevant procedure and its importance to the family,' he said. "My question is whether Zara's mother was made to fully understand what a post-mortem entails before she signed the Declaration of Refusal for Post-Mortem. "If she did not understand its importance, this would indicate a serious procedural misconduct by the IO (investigating officer)," he added. Phoong urged the police to carry out the probe into the SOP breach transparently. "If it is confirmed that anyone deliberately concealed, delayed, or circumvented the proper procedures, then regardless of rank or position, they must be subjected to severe legal consequences. "Otherwise, the credibility of our police force will inevitably be called into question,' he said. 'Bukit Aman's statement not only helps to clarify certain public questions but has also curbed unfounded speculation and rumours," he said, adding that it was crucial to uncovering the truth and restore public trust. However, he said it also means that the police must now follow up with accountability and further investigation to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Zara's body was exhumed for a postmortem on Aug 10.
