Forensic expert Dr Linthini Gannetion testified in June 2026 that torn pages labeled Y1 to Y15 came from the "Love and Peace" diary believed to belong to the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, aged 13 at her death in July 2025 [1, 2, 3]. She said a significant number of pages had been removed from the diary before examination, with variations in tearing consistent with page removal beyond Y1 to Y15 [1]. Dr Gannetion noted differences in ink types, obliterations, and inconsistencies in dating patterns on these pages but said it was not possible to conclusively rule out tampering [1, 4]. She explained that obliteration does not automatically indicate tampering by others since writers can erase or amend their own writing [4].
The expert also emphasized the importance of contemporaneous handwriting samples when examining adolescent writing, as Zara’s handwriting showed volatile and abrupt changes from 2023 to 2025 during her development [5, 6, 4, 3]. Due to limited samples, the expert classified authorship of some disputed writings as "no conclusion" rather than attributing them definitively to others [4, 3]. Experts agreed it is difficult to copy another person’s handwriting perfectly, citing differences in unconscious habits and pen pressure [2]. Handwriting samples from Zara’s dormmates showed significant differences from hers, supporting the view that others did not write the disputed entries [6, 2].
Some journals linked to Zara contained writings by multiple authors, with journal W2 not used exclusively by her and having 68 pages with questioned handwriting; journal W3 had 103 such pages [7, 6]. However, experts differed: some believed others wrote in the journals, while others said inconclusive handwriting findings reflect insufficient comparable samples rather than third-party authorship [7, 6, 4, 3].
Psychiatrist Dr Wong Haw Huo testified that Zara was emotionally overwhelmed after a group confrontation on July 15, 2025, involving accusations, ridicule, and isolation [8]. He described rising peer pressure and emotional vulnerability in the months before her death on July 17, 2025 [8, 9]. Audio recordings of Zara with her mother showed the mother providing frequent reassurance and guidance, acting as her main emotional support [8].
Confirming Zara’s own handwriting, diary entries dated June 17, 2025, in journal W2 revealed expressions of emotional distress and suicidal thoughts [10, 3]. Experts reported 228 pages in the new “Love and Peace” diary reference, and 106 pages in the original WK9 book, indicating extensive material for the inquiry [1].
The court heard that the forensic examination continues amid questions about diary tampering and authorship. Further analysis and hearings are scheduled as the inquest progresses.
