Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Chua Sze Hung and police officer Assistant Superintendent Mohd Zaidi will be recalled to continue their testimonies in the inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir next week in Malaysia [1, 2].
Zara Qairina was found unconscious on July 16, 2025, at SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha and was pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu [1, 2]. The inquest opened on September 3, 2025, after Zara's body was exhumed for a post-mortem examination [1, 2].
Dr Chua previously testified that Zara’s death was most consistent with suicide, likely triggered by peer confrontation causing emotional distress [1, 2]. Assistant Superintendent Mohd Zaidi conducted forensic analysis of 15 mobile phones linked to the case, reviewing WhatsApp messages, videos, and audio recordings to assist the investigation [1, 2].
The legal team representing Zara’s mother, led by lawyer Shahlan Jufri, expects to call about 10 to 11 witnesses during the inquest, including document examiners, forensic scientists, child psychologists, and psychiatrists [1, 2]. Jufri said, "Among them is a child witness who is a family member of Zara's mother," who is prepared to testify next week [1, 2].
Last month, Dr Chua and other witnesses testified at the inquest, but questioning of Dr Chua was reserved for continuation [1, 2]. The upcoming week-long session from June 1 to June 5 will include the recall of Dr Chua and ASP Mohd Zaidi to provide further evidence [1, 2].
