KUALA LUMPUR: The bustling area outside the Sogo shopping complex here turned into a centre of solidarity and grief as hundreds gathered to demand justice for Zara Qairina Mahathir.
The song “Justice For Zara Qairina” filled the air, followed by chants of “Justice for Zara,” as people from all walks of life joined the solidarity rally, which began at 8pm today.
Organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and attended by social media influencers, participants dressed in black and carried placards and banners bearing the message “Justice For Zara.”
Amid the chants, participants also shouted “Justice for Haris” in solidarity with Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, 22, who died on July 28 during Palapes training at the Army Training Centre (Pulada) Combat Inoculation Range in Ulu Tiram, Johor.
Throughout the gathering, police were stationed at the site to ensure safety, and the rally proceeded peacefully.
Meanwhile, a similar rally was held at Lintasan Deasoka in Kota Kinabalu, with participants coming from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Peninsular Malaysia to show their support despite drizzling weather.
Participants in Kota Kinabalu also carried placards, posters, and banners with messages of solidarity, including “Justice For Zara,” as a show of unity in demanding the truth.
Police maintained order, and the event remained peaceful.
The rally turned particularly sombre when Saimah Alkan, 37, from Tuaran, took the stage. Hugging her daughter tightly, she managed only a few words before tears flowed, evoking a wave of sympathy among the crowd.
Deeply affected by the tragedy, Saimah, a mother of a daughter the same age as the late student, appealed to the government to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure justice is served for Zara Qairina.
The incident involving the Form One student has drawn widespread sympathy, with calls for authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth behind the case.
Zara Qairina’s death has sparked a wave of public outcry nationwide and also drawn attention from international social media users, who have expressed support online since last week.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
