KOTA KINABALU, Nov 10 – A young witness told the Coroner’s Court here that he and the late Zara Qairina Mahathir often wrote stories about their friendship in a diary they shared since May last year, giving an emotional glimpse into the close bond between the two schoolmates.
The touching revelation was made by the 32nd child witness during the inquest proceedings into the death of Zara Qairina, a Form One student from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Agama Tun Datu Mustapha, before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan.
Lawyer Mohd Syarulnizam Mohd Salleh, who represented Zara Qairina’s mother, said the witness had explained that both of them began keeping the diary together in May 2024. The diary, which contained stories and notes about their friendship, was shared in turns and kept private between them.
“According to the witness, no one else could read the diary besides him and Zara Qairina. The last time he saw it was in February 2025,” said Mohd Syarulnizam when sharing the witness’s statement after the day’s court session.
The witness described Zara Qairina as a cheerful and kind-hearted friend who valued friendship deeply. She often showed her care by buying small gifts and maintaining contact, which strengthened their bond.
He added that Zara Qairina was very close to her mother, who often accompanied her everywhere and treated her with affection. “Her mother would always send and pick her up whenever Zara visited my house,” he added.
Meanwhile, lawyer Joan Goh, who represents another child involved in the bullying case, said the witness mentioned that Zara Qairina rarely spoke about her father and never complained about her mother or family issues.
Zara Qairina, 13, was pronounced dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on July 17 after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at about 4.00 am on July 16.
The inquest continues tomorrow as the court seeks to uncover the truth behind the circumstances of her tragic death. – Bernama
