BERSATU Youth has urged Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to resign over the handling of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death, citing a collapse of public trust.
“It is clear that the education minister and the home minister have failed to manage this case properly,” said Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham, noting massive vigils in Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu reflected growing public anger.
“Is this (post-mortem) not a basic procedure or standard operating procedure?” he asked, questioning why no post-mortem was initially conducted.
Meanwhile, Pejuang information chief Rafique Rashid Ali called the exhumation of Zara’s body “a necessary step to uncover the full truth” and urged a “comprehensive investigation with transparency and sincerity”.
“The laws of this country must be applied fairly to all parties, regardless of status, position, wealth, or name,” he stressed. Rafique praised the Sabah gatherings as proof of the public’s demand for justice.
Today, Saifuddin said police will exhume Zara’s grave as soon as possible, following the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ directive, to update the investigation and gather evidence.
He stressed that the police will “not compromise on the principle of justice” and will be fair to all parties, including Zara, her family, and the school authorities. — Aug 9, 2025
