KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate investigation into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a student at a religious secondary school in Papar, Sabah.
Speaking in Kota Kinabalu today, Anwar said no one involved in the case—regardless of status—would be given protection, stressing that Malaysia is a country governed by the rule of law.
“We must remember this is a country of laws, not slander. Whoever is involved—be it a Tan Sri, Datuk Seri or a minister—if they are linked to a murder, they will not be protected,” he said during the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
Zara Qairina, a Form 1 student at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan in Papar, was found unconscious in a drain near the school hostel at around 4am on July 16. She had reportedly fallen from the third floor of the building and died the following day.
Her death went viral on social media amid allegations of bullying, including speculation that a child of a prominent individual may have been involved.
On August 1, Istana Seri Kinabalu issued a strong denial of claims circulating on social media that linked the family of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, to the case.
The Governor’s press secretary, Datuk Abdulah Hussin, described the allegations as baseless, irresponsible, and defamatory, warning that they could damage the reputation of the Governor’s family.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud also refuted claims implicating his wife in the incident.
“For the record, my wife, Cikgu Rosnih Nasir, is a former principal of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha Limauan,” he said.
“She served at the school from March 20 to November 22 2024, before fully retiring from the education service.”
Anwar stressed that investigating the matter was a shared responsibility—not an opportunity to cast blame or spread falsehoods.
“The Education Minister is being attacked. What has happened to our country? A death is not a trivial matter,” he said.
“Even if it’s the child of a poor farmer in Kundasang, it is our collective duty to find out what happened—not to hurl accusations.”
The Prime Minister said he had spoken directly with Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and the Home Minister to ensure the investigation proceeds swiftly and thoroughly.
“He told me 60 individuals have already given their statements,” Anwar said.
He added that the Attorney General had informed him that the police had submitted a full report on the case to the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“After the Musabaqah event yesterday, I met the Attorney General, and he told me the report would be ready by Monday.
“But I don’t interfere. I asked only because the people want answers,” he said. — August 3, 2025