KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today expressed his frustration over misinformation that he said has turned the case of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death “toxic”.
During a special debate in the Dewan Rakyat, he pointed to false claims, including that she was tortured in a washing machine or that authorities covered up the matter to protect VIPs, as examples of baseless narratives that have taken hold online.
“None of these allegations were found in the police investigation,” he said in Parliament today, stressing that the coroner’s inquest next month is aimed at uncovering the truth and ensuring justice.
Saifuddin said police have taken statements from 195 witnesses and submitted the completed investigation paper to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“This is proof that the probe has been thorough and did not stop. Every step was conducted with transparency and according to the law,” he said.
Saifuddin cited the case of an English teacher who spread claims that Zara Qairina was tortured in a washing machine, later admitting to the police that she was “just creating content”.
He revealed that 21 investigations have been opened against those accused of spreading false information online.
“Justice must be based on evidence and the law, not rumours on TikTok or political pressure. The government’s commitment is to find the truth and bring any perpetrators to justice.”
Saifuddin also acknowledged that Zara Qairina’s case involved elements of bullying, neglect, and possible sexual harassment, but denied there was any attempt at concealment.
“Yes, I will say there was bullying. That is why we cannot allow any attempt at a cover up,” he said, adding that schools must remain safe spaces for children.
He admitted that police initially breached procedure by failing to conduct a post-mortem before Zara Qairina’s burial. She was found unconscious in her hostel compound in Kinarut, Sabah, in the early hours of July 16, and died a day later at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Her mother initially refused a post-mortem but agreed to an exhumation earlier this month after raising concerns of bruises on her daughter’s body.
Saifuddin said a second autopsy, witnessed by family lawyers, confirmed the cause of death, with the findings shared with the family.
Earlier today, the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court scheduled the inquest proceedings for September to determine whether criminal elements were involved in Zara’s death.
Sabah court director Azreena Aziz, sitting as coroner, fixed September 3 and 4, 8 to 12, 17 to 19, and 22 to 30 for the inquest proceedings.
