KOTA KINABALU, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Coroner’s Court here has set Jan 15 next year to deliver its decision on the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Coroner Amir Shah Amri Hassan fixed the date today following discussions with all parties involved in the inquest.
He said the parties had been given until Dec 15 to file their written submissions.
Amir Shah also said that the court had fixed Jan 8, 2027, for the clarification of the submissions.
“The verdict will be delivered in Bahasa Melayu,” he said.
Amir Shah highlighted several important points that parties should include in their written submissions to assist him in reaching a decision, including any contradictions or inconsistencies in witnesses' testimonies, particularly those involving child witnesses.
The coroner also asked the parties to provide an overview of the locus in quo or site visit conducted at the school, including their views on the school or hostel environment, the investigation process and the inquest proceedings.
He further invited the parties to identify any systems or processes that could be improved by the relevant authorities.
The Coroner’s Court on Wednesday concluded hearing the testimonies of all 83 witnesses, including experts, children, teachers and family members, after 96 days of proceedings in the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina.
The inquest into the death of the Form One student commenced on Sept 13 last year, with Queen Elizabeth Hospital forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu as the first witness and investigating officer Insp Wong Yew Zhung as the final witness, who testified on Wednesday (Oct 14),
On Aug 13, 2025, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) announced that an inquest would be conducted into Zara Qairina’s death after reviewing the investigation report submitted by police.
On Aug 8, 2025, the AGC said that Zara Qairina’s remains would be exhumed to allow for a post-mortem examination.
The exhumation at the Tanjung Ubi Muslim Cemetery, Kampung Mesapol, Sipitang, was completed at 7.15 pm on Aug 9, 2025.
Zara Qairina died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17, 2025, a day after she was found unconscious near a drain at her school hostel in the early hours of July 16.
-- BERNAMA