Teoh Beng Hock group backs post-mortem, inquest into Zara's death
The Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement has thrown its support behind the family of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in urging authorities to conduct a full post-mortem and a judicial inquest into her death.
Association chairperson Ng Yap Hwa said an independent inquest was necessary as police investigations into Zara’s case appeared incomplete and raised serious concerns over professionalism.
The Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement has thrown its support behind the family of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in urging authorities to conduct a full post-mortem and a judicial inquest into her death.
Association chairperson Ng Yap Hwa said an independent inquest was necessary as police investigations into Zara’s case appeared incomplete and raised serious concerns over professionalism.
“The incomplete investigation has only invited allegations of a cover-up to protect high-ranking state officials.
“As an organisation that advocates for greater accountability of enforcement officials, we strongly support Zara’s family’s call for a full post-mortem and inquest into her death,” Ng said in a statement today.
He said that a judicial inquest has become increasingly pertinent as a more independent method to determine Zara’s cause of death.
On Wednesday (Aug 6), Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar confirmed that several key instructions had been given to the authorities to assist them in completing their investigation into the schoolgirl’s death.
On Aug 4, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said it was examining a comprehensive preliminary investigation report from the police on the student’s death, including studying legal elements of the police probe.
‘Unprofessional, lackadaisical’
Commenting on this, Ng said the AGC’s instructions to the police supported the suspicions of Zara’s family that the investigation into her death was seriously flawed.
“According to the family, the autopsy report was nowhere to be seen, and the police investigation appeared to be unprofessional and lackadaisical.
“For instance, Zara’s clothing was only retrieved by the police on Aug 5 - more than two weeks after the victim’s passing - for further investigation.
“Furthermore, the police apparently failed to document the victim’s bruises on the back until her mother mentioned it during her police statement,” he added.
He also extended the group’s condolences and solidarity to Zara’s family, particularly in their resolve to determine the truth behind her death.
Zara, a Form One student at SMK Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, was found with severe injuries at her school dormitory at around 3am on July 16.
Initial reports stated she had fallen from the third floor of the building. She died the following day at the hospital.
