KOTA KINABALU: The lawyer representing the family of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir said an inquest may be requested if the results of her post-mortem examination are deemed unsatisfactory by the family.
Lawyer Shahlan Jufri said a complete post-mortem report is not yet available, as the procedure was only completed at 7.30pm today after beginning at 11am.
“The complete post-mortem report is not yet available. It still needs to be prepared.
“But, if we are not satisfied, if the family is not satisfied with the post-mortem, we can request an inquest. That is the most important consideration.
“If there is a suspect charged, then there will be no inquest. If someone is arrested and charged, there is no need for an inquest,” he said.
Shahlan said the family hopes a suspect will be identified, remanded, and brought to court, but acknowledged that this decision lies with the police.
“On behalf of the lawyers and the family, we do hope a suspect will come forward, be remanded, and face justice,” he said.
According to him, if an inquest is held, it will be conducted by a special team.
Meanwhile, Shahlan also addressed public concerns over why a post-mortem was not conducted before Zara’s initial burial on July 17.
He dismissed claims that Zara’s mother had refused a post-mortem, saying such reports were inaccurate.
“I remember reading a news excerpt suggesting the mother did not want a post-mortem — that’s not true.
“The relevant authorities know their responsibilities in such cases. In a death like this, it is the duty of the authorities to act.
“To blame the mother is wrong. Saying she prevented the post-mortem is simply untrue,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
