KOTA KINABALU, Sept 22 — Lawyers representing five students accused of bullying Zara Qairina Mahathir have criticised Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for calling the case “murder” during a political event, describing his remarks as “reckless, dangerous and an affront to the court.”
Lawyers Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, Mohammed Fareez Mohamed Salleh and Sylvester Kuan, who are acting for four students identified as “B”, “C”, “D” and “E” in the inquest, said Shafie’s comment was inflammatory while the proceedings were still ongoing.
“His statement is reckless, dangerous and disgusting. Calling this case murder without due process is highly irresponsible and gravely prejudicial to our clients. It is a blatant attempt to inflame public sentiment for political gain in the forthcoming state election,” they said.
They accused Shafie of exploiting a tragedy for political mileage, stressing that justice must be determined in court, not “twisted in political speeches or on social media.”
“The inquest is a solemn judicial proceeding which commands the utmost respect. Any attempt to exploit this tragedy for political mileage or content is reckless, wholly improper and beneath the dignity expected of public leaders.
“Premature and irresponsible statements not only undermine the presumption of innocence but also show a lack of respect for Zara’s grieving family,” they added.
The video in question, which has been circulating on Facebook, showed Shafie speaking at a political event and accusing the authorities, particularly the police, of mishandling the case.
“Now there’s an inquest. It’s taking too long. The child is dead. It’s not bullying, it’s murder. True or not? Why the delay? But we cannot say more, there’s an inquest,” he is heard saying in the clip.
Senior lawyer Datuk Ram Singh, who represents student “A”, echoed the concerns and said Shafie’s remarks could amount to contempt of court.
“When I saw the viral video, I was deeply disappointed. Both the Attorney General’s Chambers and the coroner have reminded the public not to interfere with the inquest. Yet Shafie went on to insist this was a murder case, when it is not,” he said.
Ram said the comments had distressed his client, who is a witness in the inquest, as well as Zara Qairina’s family, and could intimidate the remaining 28 students scheduled to testify.
“This is not a murder trial. It is an inquest to establish why Zara fell. Statements like this only undermine the process,” he said, adding that the coroner had directed him to lodge a police report over the remarks.
“This inquest has run for 10 days. We still have 28 more children scheduled to give evidence. Imagine the pressure they face when politicians frame this as murder. This is not a murder trial. It is an inquest to establish why Zara fell,” he added.
