The Education Ministry (MoE) has stressed that it will not protect anyone from being held accountable over the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
During a Parliament session today, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh responded to an additional question from Semporna MP regarding bullying cases in schools, including the ongoing investigation into Zara’s death.
Wong said the MoE has clear guidelines and circulars to handle disciplinary and bullying incidents, which are enforced from time to time.
“In Zara’s case, we know that the matter is now under police investigation. The ministry will leave it to the police to carry out their probe,” he said.
He stressed two points:
- The MoE will not compromise on any matter related to bullying.
- The MoE has not, and will never, attempt to protect anyone involved in such cases.
“At all times, the ministry has been ready to cooperate with the police and assist in any investigation related to this case,” Wong added.
Zara, a Form One student at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan in Papar, Sabah, was found unconscious in a drain at around 4am on July 16, after reportedly falling from the third floor of her dormitory, according to The Borneo Post.
Her death sparked speculation online, with many alleging bullying as a possible cause.
On 8 Aug, the Attorney-General’s Chambers ordered her grave to be exhumed for a post-mortem, citing the need for further investigation.
On Aug 10, Zara Qairina’s remains were reburied in Kampung Mesapol, Sipitang, about 30 hours after being exhumed for an eight-hour post-mortem examination, according to The Star.
