Warisan president Shafie Apdal has been accused of trying to exploit the Zara Qairina Mahathir case for political purposes in view of the coming state assembly elections.
The lawyers representing four students in the case said the remarks by Shafie were irresponsible and prejudicial, being made without regard for the legal process.
“This is the lowest a politician can stoop to. Justice must be upheld in the courts, not on the political stage,” they said in a statement last night, Sinar Harian reported.
The lawyers – Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, Fareez Salleh and Sylyester Kuan – represent the four students who have been charged in a separate case with verbally abusing Zara. They also represent students B, C, D and E in the inquest into Zara’s death on July 17.
Shafie had reportedly questioned the length of time taken for the inquest, according to a video clip of a dinner that has been circulating.
The team of lawyers said Shafie’s remarks also disrespected the inquest and could damage public confidence in the judicial system.
Earlier, lawyer Ram Singh, who represents Student A, said Shafie could be held in contempt of court for his remarks on the case while the inquest into her death was ongoing. He said he would bring up the matter when the inquest resumes today.
Zara, 13, died in hospital a day after she was found unconscious at 4am in a drain near her school. On Aug 13, the Attorney-General’s Chambers ordered that an inquest be held after reviewing the investigation report submitted by the police.
