PETALING JAYA: There is a surge of public outrage and solidarity in the case of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death in Sabah.
Hashtags #JusticeforZara and #JusticeforZaraQairina are dominating social media platforms X and TikTok, with more than 114,000 posts, and the number continues to grow.
The movement stems from the death of the 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir on July 16, 2025, after she was found unconscious near her school hostel in Papar, Sabah.
Among those who showed their solidarity in the case was none other than Malaysian icon and singer Siti Nurhaliza (@sitizoner).
Sharing a heartfelt video message, she wrote: “Justice for Zara is not just a hashtag. It is the cry of every victim whose dignity has been trampled, whose confidence has been destroyed, and whose smile has been erased by the hands of bullies. Today, we speak out, because staying silent means we are complicit.”
@sitizoner #justiceforzara bunyi asal – Sitizoner
Others have also joined the movement.
TikTok user @_sunshine308 also voiced their support, saying: “I am so proud of my fellow Malaysians. We are united! We in Sarawak will stand with this case #justiceforzara.”
On X, many people stressed the need for answers and action against bullying. User @nearymatth vowed: “We don’t sleep, we will keep on demanding the answer.”
User @izdiharsahalan wrote: “What is happening to our country? Bullying and cyberbullying are too chronic in our society. To the bullies—you will not escape.”
Meanwhile, @atiqroslee1 posted: “May little sister Zara Qairina receive true justice. My condolences to the family of the late Zara. Al-Fatihah for her. Stop bullying now!”
During the weekend, the movement took to the streets, with thousands of people gathering in Sandakan, Tawau and Labuan.
Another rally was also held outside the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur.
Initially classified as a sudden death, Zara’s death has since been allegedly linked to bullying, prompting urgent public calls for a thorough investigation by police.
On Aug 13 (Wednesday), the Attorney General’s Chambers announced that an inquest will be held to look into her death.
