Latest news with #Jheains
The Star
09-08-2025
- The Star
Zara's body exhumed
Post-mortem will address questions, social media speculation KOTA KINABALU: Family and friends watched with tears from a distance amid intermittent showers as the body of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir was exhumed from her grave at Tanjung Ubi Muslim Cemetery in Kg Mesapol in Sipitang, about 140km from here. The body of the Form One student, who died due to injuries from an apparent fall from the third floor of her religious school hostel in Papar district on July 16, will undergo a post-mortem that comes amid a firestorm of questions and social media speculations concerning circumstances surrounding her death. Police cordoned off the cemetery after they were granted an exhumation order by magistrate Zuraini Ali Musa during a hearing at Papar district police headquarters yesterday morning. The exhumation began shortly after a forensic team arrived around 4.45pm and ended around 7.40pm. A post-mortem is expected to be carried out today. Officials from the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains), in collaboration with the State Mufti's Office, observed the exhumation. Jheains' role, according to the officials, was to ensure that the remains were accorded due respect and were handled in a manner consistent with Islamic principles. The Attorney General's Chambers has instructed the police to conduct a more thorough investigation into the case, following spontaneous large public gatherings under the banner of #JusticeForZara in several major towns and districts across Sabah. Thousands turned up Friday night separately in the Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau districts to demand transparency in the investigations into Zara Qairina's death amid safety concerns for their children in schools, especially at school hostels. One of those who participated in the Sandakan gathering, Ahmad Jimmy, said that he was not satisfied with the slow investigation into the case, with nothing solid emerging after over three weeks. 'Most of us here feel the investigation is not transparent, which has ignited so many rumours. That is why there is a huge crowd; everyone here relates to what happened to Zara, as all of us have children going to schools, and some are in hostels,' said Ahmad. 'It can happen to anyone's child; we should put a stop to bullying in our schools if it is true that Zara died of bullying,' said Ahmad, who said he decided to join because he strongly felt the need for everyone to curb such trends. The rally in that district also highlighted the ongoing case of a student allegedly murdered by fellow dorm mates in Lahad Datu, with the victim's mother saying that the investigation was done transparently and police kept her updated. During the rallies, people carried banners, read poems, and offered prayers for Zara Qairina, while several activists and local people's representatives addressed the gathering to express solidarity and sympathy for her. They also chanted 'Stop bullying' during the rallies that lasted about two hours from 7pm. Similar gatherings are expected in other districts – Sipitang, Papar, Ranau, Kundasang, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who commented on Zara Qairina's death for the first time, said he welcomed the Attorney General's Chambers' decision to order police to further investigate her death. In a Facebook post, Hajiji said that this case not only touched the feelings of the people in Sabah but also received widespread attention throughout the country and its neighbouring countries. 'This clearly shows that there is a common demand from everyone to see justice for Zara,' he said, adding that he had full confidence that the authorities would conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation. Hajiji urged the public to maintain composure, resist speculation, and allow the investigations to move forward. 'Our priority is to ensure that the truth is revealed and justice is served through the right channels,' he added. Zara Qairina died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17. However, family lawyers highlighted that there was no post mortem carried out and wanted an inquest to be held in connection with her death, which was initially investigated as suicide. The lawyers also raised questions as to why police did not conduct forensic examination on the clothes worn by Zara Qairina and also audio voice messages between Zara Qairina and her mother where she (Zara) talked of being bullied by some seniors. Police have since seized the clothes and also been given the audio recordings.
Borneo Post
09-08-2025
- Borneo Post
Zara's body exhumed for post-mortem today
Police at the Kampung Mesapol Muslim cemetery in Sipitang on Saturday.-Bernama photo SIPITANG (Aug 9): The body of Zara Qairina Mahathir was exhumed at the Kampung Mesapol Muslim cemetery in Sipitang amid a Saturday evening drizzle for a post-mortem to determine the cause of her death which sparked rallies around the state. The post-mortem is scheduled to be carried out at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I in Kota Kinabalu at 9am on Sunday. Around 60 family members were present at the cemetery, with some arriving as early as 3pm to witness the exhumation which was ordered by the Attorney-General's Chambers. Some of them were said to have come from as far as Brunei, Selangor and Labuan. Zara's mother, Noraidah Lama, father and other close family members were escorted by police and reached the location at around 4.56pm. They were accompanied by lawyers Hamid Ismail and Shahlan Jufri. Family members of Zara Qairina, media and the public gather at the Kampung Mesapol Muslim cemetery in Sipitang on Saturday.-Bernama photo Members of the public also turned up and waited outside the police perimeter, around 100 metres away from the site, to show solidarity. Also present were State Islamic Religious Department (Jheains) officers to ensure that the remains were accorded due respect and handled in a manner consistent with Islamic principles and the dignity of the deceased. The exhumation process commenced at around 5.30pm, as a forensics team equipped in personal rotective equipment entered the grave site. Magistrate Wan Farrah Farizza Wan Ghazali, Noraidah and Queen Elizabeth Hospital I's forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu witnessed the exhumation which was completed at 7.15pm. According to the deceased's relatives, around six members of the cemetery committee were involved in the exhumation. At around 7.38pm, the vehicle ferrying Zara's immediate family left the cemetery for Queen Elizabeth Hospital I. Zara's grandmother and grandfather. Zara's grandmother, Asnah Yusof Abdullah, 76, and grandfather, Hashim Tuah, 82, as well as Sabah mufti, Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar and Papar police chief, Superintendent Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka were also at the scene. When met, Asnah and Hashim expressed hope that the case investigation will proceed smoothly and the truth uncovered. Hasim said the last time he met his granddaughter was during her birthday celebration last year. She was a quiet and diligent child who was dedicated to reading the Quran and performing prayers. 'That meeting became my last memory with her,' he said. Earlier, a large crowd gathered at the cemetery despite the rain, to witness the exhumation. Those carrying umbrellas were prevented from entering the cemetery to ensure the process proceeded smoothly. The Royal Malaysia Police forensic team arrived at the cemetery at 4.56 pm. The Magistrate's Court on Saturday granted an application by the police to exhume the body of Zara Qairina. The hearing took place at the Papar District Police Headquarters before magistrate Zuraini Ali Musa. Earlier on Saturday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Royal Malaysia Police will exhume the body of the Form One student as soon as possible to complete the investigation into her death. He said this followed instructions issued by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) on Friday for the exhumation to allow a post-mortem procedure to be carried out. 'The police will implement the decision. I was briefed by the Inspector-General of Police (Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail) this morning that the police will immediately carry out the procedure. 'Of course, the focus by the police is to update the investigation, collect all evidence and in carrying out this task, the police will not compromise on the principle of justice because we need to be fair to everyone involved, including the family of the late Zara and the school,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution assured that the police will keep the public informed with the latest updates on the case from time to time. In a statement on Friday, the Attorney General's Chambers announced that the body of Zara Qairina would be exhumed to allow a post-mortem examination to be conducted. The AGC stated that further investigations by the police were necessary to ensure all aspects of the case were thoroughly examined. Zara Qairina, 13, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu 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 4 am on July 16.
Borneo Post
09-08-2025
- Borneo Post
Zara Qairina's body exhumed for post-mortem at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital
Family members and relatives waiting outside the perimeter waiting for Zara Qairina's exhumation to be done. – Photo by Jegathisan Sivanesan KOTA KINABALU (Aug 9): Authorities have completed the exhumation of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir at the Kampung Mesapol Muslim cemetery in Sipitang this evening. Around 60 relatives, some from Brunei, Selangor and Labuan, were present around the cemetery compound from as early as 3pm, including her parents and grandparents. Zara's mother, father and other close family members were escorted by police and reached the location at around 4.56pm. They were accompanied by lawyers Hamid Ismail and Shahlan Jufri. Members of the public also turned up and waited outside the police perimeter, around 100 metres away from the site, to show solidarity. Also seen at the site were State Islamic Religious Department (Jheains) officers and political party members. The exhumation process had commenced at around 5.30pm, as a forensics team equipped in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) entered the grave site. It was witnessed by Magistrate Wan Farrah Farizza Wan Ghazali, Zara's mother and Queen Elizabeth Hospital I's Dr Jessie Hiu. According to the deceased's relatives, around six members of the cemetery committee were involved in the exhumation process. At around 7.38pm, the vehicle ferrying Zara's immediate family was seen leaving the vicinity. The body is believed to be sent to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital for post-mortem. Lawyer Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi Md Zain, who was also present, told reporters briefly that the post-mortem will be at 9am tomorrow. Zara's grandmother, Asnah Yusof Abdullah, 76, and grandfather, Hashim Tuah, 82, were among those in attendance at the scene. When met, Asnah and Hashim expressed hope that the case investigation will proceed smoothly and the truth uncovered. exhumation post mortem Zara Qairina
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Government urged to increase allocations for rural religious schools
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Nora Ahmad Text Size: Aliakbar also proposed closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Jheains to optimise the use of underutilised government school buildings as temporary religious learning spaces. Kota Kinabalu: The Government has been urged to strengthen religious education institutions in Sabah by increasing allocations in the recently tabled supplementary budget, particularly to address the poor condition of state religious schools in rural areas. Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Aliakbar Gulasan (PAS) said that based on field observations, many state religious schools are still operating under inadequate conditions, while some remote areas have no religious schools at all. 'I have raised this matter before in the House. When we visit the ground, we find that many of the most rundown schools are state religious schools, which I believe fall under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains). 'There are even villages that still don't have a religious school at all. These schools are crucial for children in rural communities to learn religious knowledge,' he said during the debate session at the State Assembly sitting. While expressing confidence in Jheains' efforts to address the issue, Aliakbar stressed the need for greater focus on rebuilding, maintaining, and staffing these schools. 'I believe the government has many initiatives and incentives in this area, but I ask that specific attention be given to improving the physical structure of these schools, especially in rural areas where there is a severe lack of manpower and religious teachers. 'Some of the additional funds from this budget should be allocated for new construction, maintenance, or the hiring of more teachers,' he said. Aliakbar also proposed closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Jheains to optimise the use of underutilised government school buildings as temporary religious learning spaces. 'There are areas with no religious schools, neither state religious schools nor Kafa (Kelas Agama dan Fardhu Ain), but they do have national schools. Perhaps discussions can be held between the Ministry of Education and Jheains to allow these national schools to be used as religious schools,' he said. He also thanked the State Government for tabling the supplementary budget and expressed hope that religious education would not be sidelined in the allocation process. Meanwhile, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, in his winding-up speech on the RM1 billion Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, said that RM2.69 million has been proposed for the construction of religious schools and the maintenance of teachers' quarters and school facilities. Earlier, Deputy Speaker Datuk Richard Yong We Kong announced that the bill was passed unanimously after being debated by 26 assemblymen. * 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
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Nabawan woman claims converted without her consent
KOTA KINABALU (May 20): A woman from Nabawan has lodged a police report, claiming her identity was fraudulently used to register her as a Muslim more than a decade ago, without her knowledge or consent. Marni Pangeran, 38, said she was shocked to discover her name has been listed as a Muslim earlier this year, claiming that she had never converted nor signed any documents and was not present when the conversion was allegedly processed in 2009. 'I never signed any form or given consent nor have I recited the 'Syahadah'. I only discovered this when my husband checked a list of Muslim converts in our district prepared by a local religious officer,' she said after lodging a police report at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters on Sunday. Marni was accompanied by her brother-in-law Raymond Ahuar and lawyer Sazalye Donol Abdullah. She said the year she was allegedly converted, she was working in Nabawan. 'There is a picture of me wearing a tudung. I had no interaction with any religious authority,' she said. The case came to light earlier this year when a proposal was made to hold a programme for Muslim converts in Nabawan. Marni's name appeared on the list, prompting her family to investigate further. Despite her Christian faith being reflected in her identity documents, records from the Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (Jheains) indicated otherwise. Marni, who is married with four children aged six to 13, is living a Christian life. The situation has caused significant emotional distress and confusion for her family. 'My children are Christian. This false record threatens the unity and future of my family,' she said. Meanwhile, Sazalye highlighted that the alleged conversion lacked legal validity. 'A genuine conversion requires a clear and voluntary declaration, including a sworn statement. None of this was done. 'Even the thumbprint in the official documents does not match Marni's thumbprint. Police should investigate the individuals named in the documents, including a religious officer and two other witnesses. 'We suspect this could be part of a wider syndicate falsifying conversion records in remote regions,' he said. Sazalye said the case is being framed both as a criminal investigation into possible document forgery and as a civil matter for Marni to clear her religious status through the Syariah Court. 'For now, her MyKad still shows her as a Christian, but records within religious departments say otherwise, which may affect her legal standing in the future,' said Sazalye. Marni's brother-in-law, Raymond also claimed the family had also discovered that Marni's deceased aunt, who was buried according to Christian rites, was listed as a Muslim in government records. Raymond said this raises concerns about posthumous misrepresentation and administrative malpractice. It was also learned that the second witness for Marni's conversion is Datuk Sangkar Rasam @ Mohd Sharudin, whose wife, Datin Rufinah Pangeran, had ousted Raymond as Pensiangan PKR branch chief in their party's ballots in April. Sazalye, their lawyer, was the former Kota Marudu branch chief and current Sabah PKR secretary. Sangkar is a State Leadership Council member while Raymond is vice chairman. However, Raymond stressed that the matter should not be politicised. 'We must uphold justice, even if it involves family members or political figures. This is a matter of human rights and faith,' he said.
