No rallies if probe done properly
Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025
By: Sohan Das Text Size: Niswwati (left) said many felt had the police action been swift, inclusive and transparent, there would not be need for any assemblies. Zara's (right) body was exhumed last Saturday and transported to Kota Kinabalu. LABUAN: The gatherings in various parts of Sabah and elsewhere since Friday that attracted thousands would not have been necessary had Sabah police done a proper job in the initial investigations into the 13-year-old's death three weeks ago. Kelab Wanita Sejahtera (Labuan Women Well-being Club) President Hjh Niswwati Tarji which organised the one on the island, Sunday, which drew 3,000 people, said:
Advertisement 'The purpose was to express our feelings and provide solace to an irreplaceable loss.' She said many felt had the police action been swift, inclusive and transparent, there would not be need for any assemblies The gathering was held at the parking lot of Medan Selera of the Sea Sports Complex. All those who turned up wore black. 'It started at 10 am and we were surprised at the turnout,' said Niswati.
Advertisement She hoped the Labuan and other gatherings would deliver the message for better surveillance of students while in the school environment and prevent any future cases of bullying or misconduct. She was confident that police would do a fair and proper investigation this time around as the Prime Minister has pledged that no one would be protected in the scrutiny. The event drew a rare display of unity as local political leaders, including from PKR and Warisan, took to the stage to deliver impassioned speeches calling for truth, justice, and an end to violence against children. Umno Supreme Council member, Mohd Rafi described the turnout as a powerful show of solidarity that transcended political and social lines. 'This is more than a political or social issue, it is a human one. We stand united in demanding justice for Zara,' he said. Zara Qairina, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17. She had been rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious in a drain near the dormitory of a religious school in Papar at about 3 am on July 16. Her body was exhumed last Saturday and transported to Kota Kinabalu. A post-mortem was held at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sunday to assist ongoing police investigations into her death, which has drawn public outrage. A businessman, ST Tan, who attended the assembly said one of the greatest griefs of any parent is losing their child at a prime age without valid reason. Meanwhile, activist Haji Abdul Jalil Gani felt the 'Justice For Zara' gatherings are being used by the opposition to find fault with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government when it had nothing to do with what happened to the SMK Agama Tun Mustapha Kinarut student. Singling out the incomplete police investigations and the school management for what happened, he said: 'If from the on start the police investigation team had treated the case with the urgency it deserved and made prompt the findings, all the conspiracy theories of a cover-up due to a an alleged VIP link would not have arisen,' he said. 'When the Attorney General's Chambers returned the preliminary investigation report, it heightened suspicion among the public that there may indeed be a cover-up and so they took to the streets. "The opposition is trying to use it to their advantage knowing the State election is near,' he said. 'They accuse the Chief Minister of keeping quiet when Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor did tell the police to hurry up with the investigations and even sent a team to visit the family of Zara in Sipitang with financial assistance,' he said. 'Just because the Chief Minister prefers to do things without fanfare does not give the opposition and critics paint a different picture,' he said. Jalil also pointed to the Prime Minister's concern and to heed his assurance there there would be no cover up in the investigations. * 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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