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Kota Kinabalu: A psychological autopsy into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir concluded that the manner of death was most consistent with suicide arising from overwhelming distress rather than a deliberate, pre-planned act.

Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Chua Sze Hung, testifying before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, said the deceased had a predominance of suicide risk factors over protective factors at the time of the incident, significantly heightening her vulnerability to suicidal behaviour.

He said the final act was likely carried out during a state of acute emotional distress, impaired judgement and reduced access to normal coping mechanisms.

Chua said there was no credible evidence to suggest the deceased had been physically pushed, according to his witness statement on Thursday.

He said the assessment was conducted as part of a psychological autopsy requested by the Sabah Attorney General’s Chambers, with a three-member team appointed by the Director-General of Health on Sept 19, 2025.