DAPSY Sabah Demands Suspension of Principal, Senior Assistant pending investigation into Zara's death

13 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Suspend the Principal, Senior Assistant for Student Affairs, and all wardens of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Tun Datu Mustapha, not merely relocating them to the Sabah State Education Department (JPN Sabah) pending the outcome of the investigation into the tragic death of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.

DAPSY Sabah Chief, Chan Loong Wei, called on the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) to suspend them as merely relocating them was grossly inadequate.

“Suspension is an urgent and necessary step to ensure that the investigation proceeds independently, transparently, and without any interference or influence from the parties involved,” said Chan.

Those under investigation must be suspended from all official duties until the investigation is concluded and they are proven innocent. Allowing individuals under scrutiny to remain in active positions , even at different locations, risks eroding public trust in the integrity and impartiality of the investigative process.

“This case demands a zero-tolerance approach to any perception of interference or undue influence over witnesses, students, or school staff,” Chan stressed.

He further emphasised that suspension during investigations is standard protocol in serious cases, particularly those involving the death of a student. The safety, dignity, and pursuit of justice for students must take precedence over administrative convenience.

DAPSY Sabah stands in full solidarity with the family of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir and the people of Sabah in their call for accountability, transparency, and justice.

“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” Chan concluded.