Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, was found unconscious on July 16, 2025, in a drain near her school hostel and died the next day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital [1, 2, 3]. The coroner’s inquest into her death began in September 2025 at the Coroner’s Court in Kota Kinabalu and is presided over by Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan[s1-s6].

On July 17, 2026, the court marked the one-year anniversary of her death with a minute of silence and invited prayers and reflection. Coroner Amir Shah said, "Today, July 17, 2026, marks exactly one year since the demise of Zara Qairina Mahathir. On humanitarian grounds and as a mark of solemn respect, the court directs all present in the courtroom to stand and observe a minute of silence before we continue with the testimony of the 75th witness" [2]. Muslims recited Surah Al-Fatihah, and non-Muslims were invited to reflect or pray as they wished.

The inquest, now on its 83rd day of proceedings, has heard extensive testimonies, including from consultant psychiatrist Dr Wong Haw Huo, the 75th witness. Dr Wong detailed Zara’s psychosocial background, developmental history, and mental state[s1-s4,s6]. He explained the importance of understanding Zara’s family dynamics through interviews with her parents, Mahathir Hashim and Noraidah Lamat, to build a "reasonable and clear picture" [1].

The psychiatrist testified that Zara struggled to adjust to secondary boarding school, facing peer tensions, accusations of theft, and social humiliation between April and May 2025 [4, 5]. According to Dr Wong, Zara "cries, she shouts, no one consoles her" amid repetitive confrontations, describing a moment when Zara expressed to him, "Saya mahu pindah sekolah" (I want to change schools) followed by "Saya mahu terjun" (I want to jump) [5]. He noted her emotional vulnerability and said the suicidal intent was unclear but the statements were significant.

Zara maintained a close, trusting relationship with her mother and frequently communicated about her difficulties at school, seeking advice [4]. The court also heard that Noraidah Lamat has needed emotional support during the inquest as she processes grief, having been in a "survival mode" since childhood [6].

The inquest remains ongoing, with the final day scheduled for October 23, 2026 [2, 3].