Zara Qairina: A Call for Truth, Accountability, and Reform

31 July 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society wishes to extend their deepest condolences to the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a 13-year-old girl whose tragic passing has deeply shocked Sabah and the nation as a whole.

In a statement by Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin, SLA President said her death did not occur in a vacuum. It has raised disturbing questions surrounding school safety, student welfare and institutional response. It also led the public to wonder whether the systems meant to protect children are functioning as they should.

“The Sabah Law Society is aware that the family has appointed legal counsel, and we fully respect their right to pursue justice through lawful means. We are also monitoring the progress of this case closely and will continue to do so,” he stated.

“Our stand is clear: This case must not be swept under the rug and it must not be forgotten. We call for a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation. Every relevant fact must be brought to light, and all procedures reviewed with honesty and care. Where improvements are needed, they must be identified and acted upon in the spirit of responsibility and reform.”

According to him, this is not about blame, it is about ensuring no child is left vulnerable.

“We urge all institutions involved to respond with courage and integrity. There must be no room for defensiveness, silence, or delay when a child has died under suspicious circumstances. What happened in this tragic case must mark a turning point in our system.

A change is going to come, because the reality is this: “If our children aren’t safe, nothing else matters.”

For the sake of our nation’s children, we must choose not to look away and we must begin demanding better, he stressed.