Malaysia weighs anti-bullying law after outcry over Sabah teen’s death
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Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death almost a month ago has rocked the South-east Asian nation and prompted thousands to take to the streets.
PHOTO: EPA
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KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is considering the need for laws to address bullying after public outcry over the unsolved death of a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Sabah sparked demands for justice, ahead of an election in the Borneo state.
Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death almost a month ago has rocked the South-east Asian nation and prompted thousands to take to the streets.
She was found unconscious in a drain by her school dormitory in Sabah, which is expected to hold a state election in 2025.
The government will review the need for an Anti-Bullying Act that includes setting up a tribunal to hear cases involving students and children, national news agency Bernama reported, citing Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said.
She said there was currently no specific definition or clear punishment for bullying in Malaysia’s laws.
Zara’s mother lodged a police report after she found bruises on the teenager’s body, and requested that police exhume her remains for a post-mortem.
Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told Parliament on Aug 18 that police investigated elements of bullying, sexual harassment and neglect, as Zara had already filed complaints to her school.
There has been no attempt to cover up the case and police had recorded statements from 195 witnesses, he added.
Five teenagers are set to be charged
