The death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir has uncovered a disturbing pattern of bullying, neglect and even sexual harassment, the Home Minister has confirmed.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told Parliament that Zara had documented her struggles in a 51-page diary handed over by a teacher. The diary contained personal accounts of her experiences at her school hostel and was described as a crucial part of police investigations, supporting testimonies from dormitory friends.
Psychologists from Bukit Aman’s sexual, women, and children crime investigation division (D11) have analysed the diary. “We know her last moments, where she was at 11pm and what happened at the dorm at 10pm. All this is corroborative evidence that we will put together. The psychologists will also establish her mental state during that time,” Saifuddin said.
He confirmed that bullying was evident in the case. “There were also elements of neglect, as Zara had lodged complaints with the school. And there were elements of sexual harassment, which are being investigated,” he added.
The minister stressed that schools must remain safe environments for children and warned against any attempt to conceal the truth. He dismissed claims of a cover-up as “serious accusations” that did not reflect the investigative process.
Police have taken statements from 195 witnesses and opened 21 investigation papers. The completed probe has been handed to the Attorney General’s Chambers, while a coroner’s inquest will begin in Kota Kinabalu on 3 September.
Saifuddin said authorities responded swiftly at each stage, including the decision to exhume Zara’s remains for a second post-mortem after her mother raised concerns about bruises on her body.
The case will be the first bullying investigation under Section 507D of the Penal Code, introduced in July and known as the “Esha Clause” in memory of cyberbullying victim Rajeswary Appahu, who died by suicide last year.
Section 507D criminalises threats, insults or defamatory words or actions intended to provoke self-harm or harm to others. Offenders face up to one year in prison, a fine, or both. The government, Saifuddin said, is also open to considering a dedicated anti-bullying Act.
Meanwhile, police have arrested an English teacher who produced a TikTok video claiming Zara was killed by being put into a washing machine. “When questioned, the teacher said it was just to ‘make content’. Shockingly, the content was swallowed whole by many people,” Saifuddin revealed.
He also said police are investigating the spread of other false claims online and fraudulent statements that fuelled public gatherings. While acknowledging the demonstrations reflected public frustration and calls for swift action, he stressed that those spreading falsehoods or inciting unrest would be prosecuted.