Sabah Minister Denies Daughter Linked To Zara S Death

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Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Arifin Arif has denied allegations linking a student said to be his daughter to the tragic death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Contrary to the claims shared on social media, Arifin said he does not have a daughter by the supposed name who went to the same school as Zara.
“I have read media reports of allegations claiming there is someone named Farisha, my daughter.
“The truth is, I have no daughter by that name and none of my children studies at the said secondary school,” said Arifin, who is also the son-in-law of Sabah governor Musa Aman.
ADSZara was found unconscious in a drain below her school dormitory in Papar on July 16 and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu.
Visit to Zara’s family
According to Sabah media, Arifin said he had visited Zara at the Queen Elizabeth I hospital, where he also met her mother, together with the Education Ministry’s director-general and their entourage.
Sabah minister Arifin Arif“Secondly, four days after her passing, I also joined a delegation from Yayasan Sabah and Sindumin assemblyperson Yusuf Yacob in visiting Sipitang to convey the chief minister’s condolences,” he said.
The state education and religious affairs exco also urged Zara’s mother and family members to remain strong, pending the outcome of police investigations.
“We will not compromise on what happened to this student, and we urge for an open investigation to continue in the interest of justice for the deceased’s child,” he said.
Separately, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department director M Kumar confirmed that the investigation report has been reviewed and evaluated by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
He also confirmed that an exhumation order to enable a post-mortem procedure will be carried out immediately in accordance with Sections 331 and 335 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
“This is aimed at obtaining the additional information and evidence required to complete the investigation into her death,” he said in a statement.
Kumar said the investigation papers will then be resubmitted to the AGC soon. - Mkini

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