KOTA KINABALU: The post-mortem on 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir has begun and is expected to be completed today.
A lawyer representing the family, Hamid Ismail, said the procedure, which started around 11am, was still ongoing.
“We will have to wait a few hours before it is completed. But it is expected to be finished today,” he said when met at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
He added that the body would be brought back to the same cemetery for burial after the post-mortem.
“From what I was informed, Dr Jessie Hiu (pathologist) will notify the family of the post-mortem findings. These may be preliminary, and whether a crime was involved will be determined in a more thorough, detailed, and written post-mortem report,” he said.
When asked if action might be taken against the investigating officer (IO) for the case, he replied: “That is up to the (state) police chief because we do not want to interfere with police matters.”
Zara was found unconscious at her school, SMKA Tun Mustapha in Papar, on July 16 and pronounced dead while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Her death has garnered nationwide attention, including from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Representing the family in the post-mortem room was Mr Shahlan, who observed the process alongside two pathologists, Dr Jessie Hiu and Dr Khairul Anuar Zainun, as well as two others.
There were also officers present, including a police photographer.
Hamid confirmed that two CT scans had been conducted—one before the burial and another yesterday.
Both will be sent to an expert in peninsular Malaysia for comparison.
Zara’s mother was also present at the facility but did not enter the post-mortem room.
Before ending the briefing, the lawyer addressed a video circulating on TikTok showing a screaming woman.
“It is not Zara. I hope viewers will not spread slander. We do not want anyone to be falsely accused.
“Do not associate it with Zara.
“If possible, please support Zara’s mother, who is currently under emotional distress.
“I hope people understand this,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
