Latest news with #MohamedNazimMaduarin
The Star
12 hours ago
- The Star
SLS cautions public against sharing information on minors charged in Zara's bullying case
KOTA KINABALU: The public has been cautioned against disclosing the identities of five teenagers expected to be charged in connection with the alleged bullying of Zara Qairina Mahathir. Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin said that any disclosure that leads to the exposure to the identity of the minors being charged was an offence under Section 15 of the Child Act 2001. "SLS wishes to respectfully remind the public and media that the Child Act 2001 prohibits the publication or sharing of any information that may lead to the identification of a child involved in such proceedings. "This includes names, photographs, addresses, schools, or any other particulars that could reveal their identity," he said, adding that such offenders could face severe penalties. Nazim said that while concerned citizens may feel compelled to share information online, even well-intentioned actions can inadvertently breach the law. 'This safeguard is not about lessening the seriousness of the allegations, but about ensuring that justice is carried out according to the law. 'We therefore encourage everyone to exercise care and avoid circulating material that could identify the children involved,' he said. Earlier, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) said in a statement that it had examined investigation papers into Zara Qairina's death referred to by the police and decided to charge several suspects based on available evidence. The teenagers involved will be charged under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code for using or making threatening, abusive or insulting words or communication.
Daily Express
13 hours ago
- Daily Express
Public reminded not to share details of Zara bullying suspects
Published on: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 19, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) has urged the public and media to respect the Child Act 2001 as five juveniles charged in the bullying of Zara Qairina appear before the Court for Children on Wednesday. SLS president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin stressed that Section 15 of the Act prohibits publishing or sharing any information that could identify the minors, including names, photos, addresses or schools, warning that breaches carry serious penalties. Advertisement 'Even well-intentioned actions can inadvertently breach the law,' he said, noting that the proceedings must be held in camera to safeguard due process. 'What began in the dark has now come into the light of justice,' the society added, urging Malaysians to channel their strong emotions into discipline by respecting the dignity of the court. * 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
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Sabah Law Society to monitor inquest into Zara Qairina's death
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) will closely monitor the inquest and any subsequent legal proceedings into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, in the public interest. SLS president Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin said they welcomed the Attorney-General's Chambers' (A-GC) decision to direct an inquest under Section 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code. An inquest is an independent judicial process that will examine the cause and circumstances of death, determine whether any criminal elements were involved, and ensure that all relevant facts are brought to light. Zara, 13, was found unconscious at her school, SMKA Tun Mustapha in Papar on July 16 and declared dead the following day at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital here. "Our commitment is clear: justice must be done, and it must be seen to be done because when our children are not safe, nothing else matters. "The findings of the inquest will form the basis for the A-GC to decide whether prosecutions should be initiated. "We remind the public that whether or not prosecutions follow will ultimately depend on these findings and the sufficiency of evidence in law. "This sequence is essential to preserve the integrity of the justice process," he said in a statement. Mohamed also said SLS would like to remind everyone that bullying, whether physical, verbal, psychological, or online, has no place in any environment, least of all in schools. He added SLS through its Community Empowerment and Protection Subcommittee, which leads their initiatives on bullying prevention and response, will work with all stakeholders in Sabah to create safer educational environments. He said the recent amendments to the Penal Code (Sections 507B–G) represent a critical step forward in combating such conduct, criminalising a wide range of abusive behaviours and imposing serious penalties where they cause harm, including attempted or completed suicide.
