Mps Demand Answers Over Schoolgirl S Death Amid Bullying Vvip Link Claims

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PARLIAMENT | Lawmakers have pressed authorities to address questions surrounding the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, a Form One student in Papar, Sabah, who is said to have been a victim of bullying.
Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) highlighted the case in the Dewan Rakyat today while debating the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to make secondary education compulsory.
Posing queries on the actual cause of the student’s death and seeking confirmation on alleged criminal elements in the case, Saifuddin also sought the Education Ministry’s insight on claims that Zara’s school principal is related to a “VVIP”.
“If this is true, to what extent has this affected the investigation process (into Zara’s death) and the transparency in managing this case?” Saifuddin questioned.
Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) then interjected in Saifuddin’s debate to seek verification on allegations that the principal “has ties with a VVIP who is in the Dewan now”.
Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin AbdullahCommenting on the PAS secretary-general’s interjection, Saifuddin merely said: “It’s already as clear as day.”
The former foreign affairs minister did not elaborate on his brief remark, instead opting to wrap up his debate.
Yesterday, a former principal at Zara’s school, who retired in 2024, took to Facebook to deny claims alleging her involvement in the student’s death.
The parliamentarians, however, did not name the principal they were referring to today.
Zara, 13, reportedly died after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of a dormitory building in the early morning of July 17.
While her family has raised doubts on the circumstances of her death and alleged attempts to silence the case, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has assured that the ministry will take appropriate action based on the police’s investigation into the student’s death.
‘Who was involved?’
ADSSaifuddin also sought answers on who was involved in Zara’s death, the motive behind the incident, and the background of the alleged perpetrator, including their family ties and social status.
“Is it true that the incident occurred at around 3am? If so, what measures were taken by the school in terms of monitoring and student safety during that time?
“Are there any witnesses who directly or indirectly saw or knew about the incident? If so, were they able to give their statements freely, without pressure, influence, or threats from any party?” he questioned.
He urged the Education Ministry to clarify claims that there were attempts by certain parties to persuade or pressure Zara’s family against filing a police report regarding her death.
Prior to Saifuddin’s debate, Sabah lawmaker Matbali Musah (GRS-Sipitang) called for proactive measures from the government to tackle bullying issues in schools.
Noting that Zara had been his constituent, Musah lamented how the bullying she was said to have faced in school only drew attention after her death.
“How many more of our children who are being bullied will have to have their spirits broken before action is taken?” he added.
The Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, which is being tabled for its second reading today, seeks to amend Section 2 of the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) to substitute the definition of “compulsory education” to include secondary education.
It also proposes a new Section 32A, which provides that every parent whose child is a Malaysian citizen and resides in Malaysia must ensure the child is enrolled in a secondary education institution and remains in school throughout the secondary education period.
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. - Mkini

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