The inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir was briefly halted on the morning of August 26 when Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan abruptly walked out following a tense courtroom exchange in Kuala Lumpur [1, 2].
The disruption occurred during questioning of the 75th witness, psychiatrist Dr Wong Haw Huo. Lawyer Datuk Ram Singh pressed Dr Wong repeatedly for direct answers about the cause of Zara's fall and whether she was alone before the incident [3, 1, 2].
Datuk Ridzwandean Bukhary M. Borhan objected to Ram Singh's line of questioning, calling it "harsh" [3, 1, 2]. Ram Singh denied intending harshness, saying, "Don't use the word 'harsh' on me. In the past and towards the end, they (other counsels) were also very harsh, but this is very important for us. Very important." He urged the court to be fair during the inquest [1].
During the heated exchange, Coroner Amir Shah twice asked, "Am I not fair enough?" before walking out without instruction, leaving proceedings paused for 30 to 50 minutes [3, 1, 2]. The coroner later said it was the first time in his 21-year career he had walked out, attributing it to emotional strain and a "little pain in my chest." He apologized and urged professionalism, reminding the lawyers, "But this is an inquest, not a trial" [1].
The court resumed at about 10:50 a.m. when Ram Singh and Ridzwandean apologized. Coroner Amir Shah accepted their apologies and stressed the need for professional conduct throughout the inquest [3, 1, 2].
The session continues as the court examines details surrounding the circumstances of Zara Qairina Mahathir's death, with further testimony expected to clarify outstanding questions about the incident.
