Post-mortem on Zara Qairina’s Death Crucial for Justice, Says Kho Teck Wan

suppadmin | August 10, 2025

Political Secretary to the Premier, Kho Teck Wan, has expressed support for the Attorney General’s decision to exhume the remains of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, who died at a boarding school in Sabah on July 16, for a post-mortem examination.

Kho noted that the case, which began as an alleged accidental fall, has since sparked controversy, organized rallies, and widespread social media outrage. With two police reports lodged by the victim’s family and public calls for transparency including an assurance from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for a swift investigation and the move for re-examination was crucial.

“I agree with the Attorney General that the post-mortem is critical in determining the cause of death,” she said, urging the public to avoid speculation that could interfere with ongoing investigations.

She welcomed the involvement of forensic experts and called for a transparent and thorough process, extending her condolences to Zara’s family.

Drawing from her own boarding school experience, Kho stressed the need for parents, wardens, and teachers to remain vigilant for any signs of trouble, including changes in a child’s physical or emotional well-being. She suggested that reporting procedures for bullying or misconduct should be part of orientation programs, and that students must be encouraged to speak up, whether in schools, online, or in institutions such as military or police academies.

“While this case is still under investigation, I am encouraged by the public’s strong response against bullying. Let us work together towards eliminating bullying in our society,” she said.