NGO Seeks to Halt Zara Qairina Inquest, Claims Wrong Legal Framework Used in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU — Malaysian NGO Pembela Malaysia has launched a court challenge to stop the ongoing inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, arguing that authorities used the incorrect legal basis for the proceedings.
According to its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Jeffry Rosman, the inquest should have been conducted under the Sabah Inquest Ordinance 1959, not the federal Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) currently in use.
Jeffry alleged that the use of the CPC is unconstitutional in Sabah’s context, describing it as “excessive, unlawful, and in conflict with state legislation.”
He also criticised the omission of key provisions in the state ordinance, including the option for a coroner’s jury — a safeguard unique to Sabah.
Pembela is now seeking judicial review to invalidate all 41 days of proceedings and restart the investigation under Sabah’s legal structure.
-wilayah.com.my/
