Kota Kinabalu: A handwriting expert told the inquest of Zara Qairina Mahathir that copying another person’s handwriting would be difficult due to differences in factors such as pen pressure, writing speed and skill level.
Forensic document examiner and handwriting expert Dr Linthini Gannetion said she would not describe such an act as impossible, but rather difficult, as handwriting involves several individual characteristics.
“I wouldn’t say it is impossible, but I would rather say it is difficult because the speed of execution, the pen pressure and the skill level are all different. This is because it is a conscious act, not a subconscious act,” she said.
Dr Linthini was responding to questions by counsel Joan Goh, who asked whether copying another person’s handwriting would be difficult or impossible.
She agreed that copying another person’s handwriting in large quantities or across numerous pages would be difficult.
The inquest’s 74th witness also said no two writers can produce handwriting that is exactly alike.
She said an examination of handwriting samples from nine of Zara’s dormitory mates showed significant differences when analysed in detail, even though they may have appeared similar to the naked eye.
“We collected handwriting samples from Zara’s dorm mates which might look the same to the naked eye. However, through detailed examination, I found there were many differences compared to Zara’s handwriting. All nine writers examined showed significant differences. This proves that Writer A and Writer B cannot write in exactly the same way,” she said.
According to Dr Linthini, every individual learns the basics of handwriting through the same copybook system but gradually develops personal writing habits over time.
She said these individual characteristics can be seen through letter formation, writing rhythm, margins, neatness and subconscious writing habits.
Dr Linthini further explained that forensic document examiners use the ACE-V method analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification to determine authorship of handwriting.
“At the analysis stage, we need to identify all repetitive characteristics and subconscious habits in a person’s handwriting before making comparisons with the questioned material,” she said.
