Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar said the case should not be taken lightly, especially given the various allegations that arose, including claims that the victim had fallen, been pushed, or bullied.
The Prime Minister said he had personally contacted Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure the investigation was conducted fairly.
"I ask, is there a mistake in the Zara Qairina investigation? If there is, take action. This is a death, regardless of whether it is the child of a poor person or a rich person, in the mountains, on land, or at sea, we take note because the investigation must be conducted transparently. I am sad because this could be my child or grandchild."
Due to ongoing suspicions, the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has ordered the grave to be re-excavated for a second autopsy. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk M. Kumar has also been ordered to travel to Sabah to personally monitor the case, ensuring there is no perception that certain parties are being protected.
Let’s look at the chronology:
1. Preliminary Findings & Allegations
- On 16 July, Zara was found lying unconscious in a drain at the foot of her dormitory block at around 3.15am. The first witness, a junior student, reported hearing “a loud noise as if an object had fallen.”
- The warden noted a “possible slip” in the emergency report, while paramedics recorded severe head injuries and several broken ribs.
- The victim's mother, however, noticed bruises on her daughter’s back during funeral preparations, rejecting the “accidental fall” theory.
2. PDRM Rapid Response (20–31 July 2025)
- A special investigation team led by a DSP from the Serious Crimes Investigation Unit was formed.
- 60 witness statements were recorded, including dorm residents, HQE I nurses, and the laboratory assistant who opened the dormitory door that night.
- On 31 July, Sabah Police announced that elements of bullying had not been ruled out, but stopped short of classifying the case as murder pending forensic results.
3. Autopsy Confusion & Forensic Procedures
- The body was buried on 17 July without an autopsy.
4. Emergence of New Evidence (1–7 August 2025)
- A short but troubling voice recording between Zara and her mother, captured two hours before the incident, went viral on social media. In it, Zara expressed fear of two students who were unhappy with her.
5. Turning Point – AGC Intervention (4 - 8 August 2025)
- Upon reviewing investigation papers, the AGC identified three major gaps:
- No autopsy was conducted.
- The key witness was not psychologically profiled.
- No toxicology tests were carried out.
On 8 August, the AGC ordered the grave to be exhumed : a rare move, only undertaken when justice may be compromised without critical evidence.
The body of Zara Qairina was exhumed from Tanjung Hubi Cemetery, Mesapol, at 7.38pm on Saturday for a second post-mortem at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu.
Her mother, Noraidah Lamat, told reporters:
"I want nothing but the truth. I want my daughter’s justice to prevail."
Source : Awani 1 , Awani 2 , Awani 3 , Bernama, AGC