Zara Qairina probe uncovers elements of bullying, neglect and sexual harassment, Parliament told

Malay Mail

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — The investigation into the tragic death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir centres on three key elements, namely bullying, neglect, and sexual harassment, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the police had also submitted their investigation papers to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) after taking statements from 195 witnesses.
'I do not rule out the presence of bullying. From the conclusions we have drawn, bullying is evident. Schools should be safe places for our children, and school administrators must understand that any such incidents must be addressed transparently. That is why our investigation is focused on the element of bullying.
'There was also an element of neglect as the girl (Zara) had previously made complaints to the school. So we investigated that, as well as the element of sexual harassment,' he said during a ministerial briefing after Question Time at Dewan Rakyat today.
The minister said that it is now up to the AGC to determine whether charges will be filed, while ensuring that the inquest proceedings serve as a transparent platform for all parties to present evidence openly. — Bernama