KUALA LUMPUR: The Coroner's Court today continued the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir with two child witnesses testifying about the events leading up to the moments before she was found unconscious near her dormitory.
The first witness, who was the fourth child to take the stand, described Zara Qairina as a kind person.
She told the court that Zara Qairina was summoned to another dormitory room to be questioned about a missing wallet. She was questioned by two students.
She said the 13-year-old Zara Qairina was seated on the floor, facing one of the students, who was also sitting. Shortly after, several other students entered the room.
While Zara Qairina remained seated and the other students stood around her, the witness said one of them used threatening language, shouting; "Budu, sial! Aku injak la kepala kau ni (Damn you, I'll stomp on your head)."
The shouting, the witness said, was loud enough to be heard throughout the dormitory. The encounter lasted about 20 minutes, after which Zara Qairina was seen returning to her room.
The witness also noted that the weather that night was stormy, with heavy rain and strong winds. The warden had instructed all students to return to their rooms.
This information was disclosed in a statement issued by the legal team representing Zara Qairina's mother, Noraidah Lamat. The media is not allowed into the Coroner's Court to cover the proceedings when the witnesses are children.
The team comprises Shahlan Jufri, Rizwandean M. Borhan, Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi, Farrah Nasser and Elhanan James.
Meanwhile, the second witness yesterday said a student had accused Zara Qairina of taking her wallet, which she denied. Zara Qairina was then asked to swear her innocence by saying "Wallahi", and ordered her back to her room. Zara remained seated.
The witness said another student later confronted Zara Qairina over a flag pin allegedly found in her bag, shouting profanities — "bodoh, sial" (stupid, damned) — and demanded an explanation.
Zara Qairina remained silent and continued to deny the allegations when questioned by others.
The witness also mentioned the existence of a student group known as "Circle 19", consisting of 19 students from the same form who were reportedly close friends. The witness was part of the group.
She later learnt that a student had fallen from the dormitory building and recognised the clothing worn by Zara Qairina that night before.
The witness said Zara Qairina did not show signs of emotional distress or mental health issues.
In a related development, the legal team representing Zara Qairina's family confirmed that their appointed forensic document examiners have completed the initial phase of their analysis.
The team has since discussed with the conducting officers their intention to formally request access to the remaining documents currently held by the Chemistry Department's Forensic DNA Division.
These documents include 11 items, among them written material and a green book titled "Love and Peace."
Zara Qairina was found unconscious at her school hostel on July 16. She was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The inquest is to ascertain the circumstances leading to Zara Qairina's death. It began on Sept 3 and is expected to see 70 witnesses taking stand, excluding 35 children. - NST
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