Be cautious when making public statements
Published on: Sat, Aug 16, 2025 Text Size: Zulkarnain stressed that a post-mortem is a standard police procedure in sudden or suspicious deaths, and that under Sections 329 and 330 of the Criminal Procedure Code, magistrates or police can order one regardless of family consent. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian People's Power Movement (G57) urged caution over public statements on the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, warning that early speculations could mar the official investigation. 'Any public statement about the cause of death must be based on official findings to protect the transparency and integrity of the process,' said its Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar. He noted concerns over the use of the word 'jumped' in media briefings before inquiries were concluded. He stressed that a post-mortem is a standard police procedure in sudden or suspicious deaths, and that under Sections 329 and 330 of the Criminal Procedure Code, magistrates or police can order one regardless of family consent. 'Reports indicate that Zara's mother had declined an autopsy, saying she had signed a hospital form as part of administrative protocol, but the decision still lies with the authorities under the law,' he said He expressed appreciation to the Sabah government for holding tahlil and prayer gatherings across the State on Thursday night, calling for national solidarity 'until the truth is known and justice is done'. * 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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
3 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
'Allow space for transparent probe into deaths of Zara and Syamsul'
PKR Youth's Legal and Public Complaints Bureau has urged the public to allow space for an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation into the deaths of Zara Qairina Mahathir and Syamsul Haris Shamsudin. In a statement, bureau head Khairul Naim Rafidi extended condolences to the families of the two young victims, noting the profound impact their deaths have had on their loved ones and the wider Malaysian public.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Inquest into Zara Qairina's death begins tomorrow in Kota Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: The inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir will commence tomorrow at the Kota Kinabalu Coroner's Court. The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) confirmed the date in a statement today. The Sabah State Prosecution Director requested the inquest under subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. The AGC stated that the case is of public interest and will be expedited to ensure justice. Justice is sought not only for Zara Qairina's family but also for the public, the AGC added. The inquest aims to determine the cause and circumstances of her death, including potential criminal elements. On Aug 13, the AGC announced the decision to hold an inquest after reviewing the case. The Royal Malaysia Police submitted an investigation report on Aug 12 regarding the student's death. Zara Qairina was a Form One student at SMK Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar. The AGC emphasised transparency in handling the high-profile case. - Bernama
Barnama
6 hours ago
- Barnama
Inquest Into Zara Qairina's Death Begins Tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Kota Kinabalu Coroner's Court in Sabah has fixed tomorrow (Aug 18) to begin an inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir. In a statement today, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) said the inquest was requested by the Sabah State Prosecution Director, in accordance with subsection 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code [Act 593]. 'Given that this case is of public interest, the department will seek to expedite the proceedings to ensure justice is served, not only for the family of the late Zara Qairina but also in the interest of the public,' it said.
