Witness: Education Minister said Zara’s case would not be covered up, but school told not to disclose details

 

Abu Bakar told the Coroner’s Court that Fadhlina said Zara Qairina’s case would not be covered up, but disclosure of details was restricted as police investigations were ongoing.

KOTA KINABALU (May 20): The late Zara Qairina Mahathir’s uncle testified in the Coroner’s Court here that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had stated that Zara’s case would not be covered up, but that the school had been instructed not to disclose any information.

Abu Bakar Lamat, 47, told Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan that the minister said any information on the case would not be disclosed, including to the next-of-kin, as the police investigation was still ongoing.

“During this meeting, my wife informed her (Fadhlina) about the alleged bullying incident at Zara’s school and requested that the investigation be carried out transparently,” he said in reading his witness statement.

Abu Bakar said while waiting for Zara’s remains, they were brought to a special room to meet Fadhlina.

“During the meeting, Fadhlina offered words of encouragement and extended a personal contribution to the family. After that, we returned to wait for the release of Zara’s remains.

“I used my sister Noraidah’s phone to contact the investigating officer Wong regarding the release permit, as the hospital authorities informed us that only this officer had the authority to issue it,” he said.

Abu Bakar said at that time, the investigating officer was not present at the hospital, informing that he was outside of the area and that the release permit could only be obtained after Maghrib, before the family could claim Zara’s remains. - Borneo Post