logo
Saifuddin dismisses washing machine claims on Zara's death

Saifuddin dismisses washing machine claims on Zara's death

KUALA LUMPUR: Justice for Zara Qairina Mahathir should not be based on half-baked facts or reckless, irresponsible allegations.
The case of a teacher spreading fake news claiming Zara had been murdered after being put into a washing machine is a case in point, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the police's investigation is grounded in facts and legitimate legal procedures.
"Justice and truth must be based on facts and a legitimate legal process. It cannot be founded on half-baked facts or irresponsible, baseless accusations. It must rest on facts and the proper legal process.
"We reject any attempt to play up political sentiments, or to make malicious speculation and accusations.
"There was a case of a teacher who created content claiming Zara was murdered in a washing machine. When we interrogated her, she said, 'I just want to make content,'" said the English teacher.
"We have arrested (the teacher) and, God willing, if the Attorney-General agrees, she will be charged. But that content was swallowed whole by a large part of the people, inside and outside the Dewan, which led to swelling sentiments and forming a wave," he said in his ministerial statement.
A 39-year-old woman was arrested in Rawang earlier this month for investigations over fake news involving Zara's death.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Zara's family legal team hopes charges will be linked to her death
Zara's family legal team hopes charges will be linked to her death

Daily Express

time30 minutes ago

  • Daily Express

Zara's family legal team hopes charges will be linked to her death

Published on: Monday, August 18, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 18, 2025 Text Size: Hamid and the legal team with Zara's mother during a visit on Sunday. - Pic courtesy of Zara's family legal team KOTA KINABALU: The family legal team of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir said it hopes charges against the suspects in her bullying case will be linked to her death so that stronger penalties may be imposed if convictions are secured. In a statement on Monday, the team welcomed the Attorney-General's decision to bring charges, describing it as in line with their earlier recommendations. They noted that their proposal on 14 August urged prosecution under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code, following Bukit Aman investigations that revealed evidence pointing towards bullying. The lawyers stated that they are not yet aware of the identities of the individuals who will be charged or the exact provisions that will be applied in court. The family's legal team comprises Hamid Ismail, Shahlan Jufri, Rizwandean M Borhan, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi, Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh and Farrah Nasser. * 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

Shafie: Warisan must not capitalise on Zara Qairina's death, doing so would be insensitive and disrespectful
Shafie: Warisan must not capitalise on Zara Qairina's death, doing so would be insensitive and disrespectful

Malay Mail

time30 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

Shafie: Warisan must not capitalise on Zara Qairina's death, doing so would be insensitive and disrespectful

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 18 — Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has today stressed that the death of schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir should not be turned into a political tool, and that the focus must remain on accountability and justice for the victim's family. The Sabah opposition leader said that no parties, including Warisan should capitalise on the tragedy, and said that any attempts to exploit public anger would be insensitive and seen as disrespectful to the victim and her family. 'I don't want to capitalise on this. There is a mourning family now,' he said, adding that he hoped no Warisan representative would think of it. Instead, Shafie, who is also Semporna MP, urged authorities to prioritise swift investigations and ensure justice is delivered. 'To me, the important thing now is to follow the process. Investigate and take action on those responsible. Hold them accountable. And do not delay it. I've been highlighting in Parliament, justice delayed is justice denied,' he said. The Senallang assemblyman said that although he had no intention of politicising it, he had highlighted it in Parliament as a platform to push for better protection in schools where they were under the care of public authorities. He questioned why action was delayed despite evidence being available, and called on those in positions of authority not to take the matter lightly. 'Now that we know there are elements of bullying, sexual harassment and negligence, it's been made clear. But the question is… who did that? That is the important part. Take them to the court. 'The people in authority should have done it earlier. Don't take lightly… Why delay? You have the documents, use it,' he said. The Coroner's Court in Kota Kinabalu today fixed September 3 for the start of the inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir to determine any criminal elements. The death of the 13-year-old SMKA Tun Mustapha student in Papar, Sabah after an alleged bullying incident has sparked public outrage nationwide and renewed calls for safer schools. Zara Qairina was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17 after being found severely injured and unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar at 4am on July 16.

[UPDATED] Several to face charges over bullying of late Zara Qairina
[UPDATED] Several to face charges over bullying of late Zara Qairina

New Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Several to face charges over bullying of late Zara Qairina

KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) will charge several individuals over the bullying of Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13. The A-GC said the decision was made based on investigation papers submitted by police. "Based on available evidence, we have decided to charge several suspects involved in the bullying of Zara Qairina," it said. "This will not affect police investigations into Zara Qairina's death, including the inquest proceedings that will take place in court." On Aug 13, the A-GC ordered an inquest into the death of Zara Qairina in accordance with Subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The A-GC said this was to determine the cause and manner of death, including whether there were any criminal elements. The Coroner's Court in Kota Kinabalu fixed 19 days from Sept 3 for the inquest proceedings. Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat that bullying, negligence and sexual harassment were angles police probed in their investigation into the death of Zara Qairina. Zara Qairina was found unconscious on July 16, believed to have fallen from the third floor of a dormitory building. She was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. On July 31, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said bullying had not been ruled out. Her grave was later exhumed for a post-mortem and an inquest.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store