Latest news with #LabuanBikeevent
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Over 3,000 take part in ‘Justice for Zara' rally
Standing united: More than 3,000 people joined a solidarity rally at the Labuan Food Court to demand justice for Zara Qairina. — Bernama LABUAN: The death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir has left a deep mark on the Labuan community, with more than 3,000 people joining a solidarity rally to demand justice for her. The rally, held at the Labuan Food Court and coinciding with the Labuan Bike event, was organised by Kelab Wanita Sejahtera and led by Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Rafi Ali Hassan. It drew a rare display of unity as local political leaders, including those from PKR and Warisan, took to the stage to deliver impassioned speeches calling for truth, justice and an end to violence against children. Many participants wore black attire and carried placards bearing Zara Qairina's name and slogans such as 'Justice for Zara Qairina' and 'Stop Bullying', Bernama reported. 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 told the crowd. Zara Qairina, a Form One student from Sipitang, died at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu on July 17. She was rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious in a drain near the dormitory of a religious school in Papar around 4am on July 16. In a significant development, the teenager's body was exhumed late Saturday night for a post-mortem to assist ongoing police investigations into her death.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Solidarity rally for Zara Qairina continues in Sipitang, Labuan
More than 3,000 people from all walks of life turned up for a solidarity rally at the Labuan Food Court car park to demand justice for Zara Qairina Mahathir.-Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (Aug 10): The solidarity rally for Zara Qairina Mahathir continued in Sipitang and Labuan on Sunday. Around 5,000 people from Sipitang district joined by participants from Sarawak, Labuan and Brunei, gathered at the Sipitang Esplanade to seek justice for Zara Qairina as her exhumed body underwent post-mortem at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I in Kota Kinabalu. They were dressed in white and carried banners, state flags and placards bearing the hashtag #justice4zara. A representative of the organisers, Dayang Nor Syafiqah Abdul Hamid, said the turnout exceeded their expectations despite the rains.. 'Today, we held a peaceful solidarity gathering for the late Zara Qairina in Sipitang — her birthplace and where she grew up. We estimate around 5,000 people came from across the district and Sabah, as well as from Brunei, Sarawak and Labuan. 'This far exceeds our original target, which was only about 2,000 to 3,000 participants,' she said. Dayang Nor Syafiqah added that she and her group of eight organisers hoped a transparent investigation would be carried out in the name of justice for Zara Qairina. 'We are hoping for a transparent outcome, especially as the post-mortem is currently being conducted. All we want is justice for the late Zara Qairina,' she said. In Labuan, more than 3,000 people from all walks of life turned up on Sunday for a solidarity rally at the Labuan Food Court. It coincided with the Labuan Bike event and was organised by Kelab Wanita Sejahtera and led by Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Rafi Ali Hassan. 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. Many participants wore black attire and carried placards bearing Zara's name, 'Justice for Zara Qairina and 'Stop Bullying'. 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 in his address to the crowd. In Papar, the heavy rain on Saturday night failed to stop around 5,000 people from gathering at the Benoni Commercial Centre compound for the Himpunan Aman Solidariti Zara Qairina Organising chairman Azrul Ibrahim, from Komuniti Anak Muda Papar, called the rally a clear demand for justice. 'This peaceful assembly reflects the public's desire — especially in Papar — to uncover the truth behind Zara Qairina's death,' he said. 'We urge authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure accountability if misconduct is found.' On Friday night, thousands gathered in Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna to demand justice for the 13-year-student as public outcries and allegations grew that she was the victim of bullying, leading to her untimely death.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Over 3,000 turn up for 'Justice for Zara Qairina' rally in Labuan
LABUAN: The death of 13-year-old Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir from Sipitang, Sabah, has left a deep mark on the Labuan community, as more than 3,000 people from all walks of life turned up on Sunday (Aug 10) for a solidarity rally to demand for justice for her. The rally, held at the Labuan Food Court and coinciding with the Labuan Bike event, was organised by Kelab Wanita Sejahtera and led by Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Rafi Ali Hassan. 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. Many participants wore black attire and carried placards bearing Zara's name, 'Justice for Zara Qairina and 'Stop Bullying'. 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 in his address to the crowd. 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 4 am on July 16. In a significant development, her body was exhumed late last night and transported to Kota Kinabalu. A post-mortem has been scheduled for today at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I to assist ongoing police investigations into her death, which has drawn public outrage. - Bernama
