Kota Kinabalu: A child deponent told the Coroner’s Court that in mid-May 2025, Zara Qairina Mahathir was mocked with the word “getek” while passing a senior students’ academic classroom.
Counsel Rizwandean M Borhan, who briefed the media on Monday, said the 59th deponent recounted that the incident occurred when they asked Zara to accompany her to the upper-floor academic block, which required passing the seniors’ classroom.
“The deponent said Zara was initially afraid to follow but eventually agreed. As they passed the classroom, the seniors were heard saying ‘getek,’ (flirty) and Zara told the deponent this was why she had been afraid to go upstairs.
“Zara also mentioned that she had previously been falsely accused by senior students of something she had never done,” Rizwandean said.
He added that the deponent testified she had asked Zara to accompany her because she herself had also been falsely accused, which had caused some of her friends to stop associating with her.
Rizwandean further briefed that both the 59th and 69th deponents testified that Zara had been scolded and yelled at by senior students during questioning over a theft allegation.
“Both deponents, who were eyewitnesses, said the seniors used the words ‘bodoh’ and ‘sial’ while scolding Zara.
“The shouting was very loud and could be heard downstairs. They testified that they were frightened and traumatised by the incident and have since moved to new schools.
“They also said that while Zara was being questioned, they were instructed by the seniors to remain quiet,” he added.
The 59th deponent said that when senior students entered the dormitory room to question Zara, one of them allegedly threw a Malaysian flag pin at her.
“She threw the pin at Zara, scolded her, and questioned whether she had taken a friend’s wallet.
“Zara denied the allegation and swore that she did not take the wallet,” Rizwandean said.
Meanwhile, the 60th deponent, who testified that five senior students had scolded Zara, described her as a helpful and kind person.
“She said Zara often helped others, including topping up money for those who did not have enough.
“In fact, the deponent herself had once been helped by Zara when she did not have enough money at the canteen. Zara added money for her and told her, ‘It’s okay, you don’t need to pay me back,’” he said.
The deponent also testified that Zara was respectful and polite, often greeting senior students with a bow whenever she met them.
Trial continues today (Tuesday) with another re-called child deponent.
