KOTA KINABALU, Sept 19 — The Coroner’s Court here was told today that Zara Qairina Mahathir’s close friend and alleged bully, identified only as “A”, had transferred out of school after being traumatised by the sight of Zara’s unconscious body in the early hours of July 16.
Chief warden Azhari Abdul Sagap said “A” was among the students who saw the 13-year-old after she was found unconscious and placed at another spot while waiting to be taken to hospital.
During cross-examination, lawyer Joan Goh asked Azhari about the circumstances.
Goh: Are you aware that “A” saw Zara when she was placed next to the warden’s house?
Azhari: Yes, because I had asked the other students to call her after reading messages from “A’s” mother. I initially wanted to ask “A” but I was in an emotionally unstable condition, so I didn’t end up asking.
Goh: What time was this?
Azhari: I can’t remember, but it was before the ambulance came.
Goh: So you had asked “A” to come down after you read her mother’s messages? This was before the ambulance?
Azhari: Yes.
Earlier, the court heard that the ambulance had arrived at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha at about 4am, while “A’s” mother had sent Azhari messages between 10.28pm and 10.58pm the night before, complaining that her daughter’s wallet had been stolen. She had also urged an immediate spot check of dormitory room A-3-6.
Goh then asked if “A” had shown any signs of trauma after the incident.
Goh: Were you aware that “A” left the school because she felt traumatised?
Azhari: No. She wasn’t showing signs of trauma.
Azhari also referred to a photograph taken by guard Linah Mansoding, which showed “A” with another student.
Goh: You can tell she’s not traumatised from the photograph?
Azhari: Yes, she even held up the “peace” sign in the photo.
The court was told that “A” left the school on July 18, a day after Zara Qairina’s death, and submitted medical leave certificates for her absence.
She collected her belongings from the school on August 11 and transferred out a few weeks later.
