KOTA KINABALU, Sept 17 — A forensic medical officer told the inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir that the girl’s mother declined an autopsy despite being briefed on its importance in determining the cause of death.

At the Coroner’s Court today, Dr Logaraj Ratha from Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s forensic department said he had explained to Zara’s mother, Puan Noraida Lamat, that a post-mortem examination would provide clarity on the circumstances leading to her daughter’s death.

“I informed Puan Noraida, in the presence of another family member, about the need and importance of an autopsy. Even though the police did not issue Form Pol. 61 (the Post-Mortem Examination Request Form), a clinical autopsy could still be conducted with the consent of the next of kin.

“However, the family decided against it despite the explanation given,” he said

Dr Logaraj said he then provided Noraida with a “Declaration of Refusal for Autopsy on Own Will” form, which she signed after acknowledging she understood the consequences of her decision.

He explained that without a post-mortem, the family would not be able to obtain an official autopsy report on Zara’s cause of death in the future or use such documentation in any claims.

During today’s proceedings, the conducting officer objected to questions from lawyer Rizwandean M Borhan, who was questioning Dr Logaraj about claims by Zara’s mother that he had not met her at the hospital on July 17.

Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan allowed the questions, ruling that they were not meant to discredit the witness but to seek clarification.

Dr Logaraj: I do not agree. I met with her and the family witness, Nur Shira, that afternoon at the forensic medical department.

Rizwandean: I was told that you did not explain to Noraidah, and witnessed by Nur Shira, the need and importance of the autopsy. Can you respond?

Dr Logaraj: I do not agree. I gave a comprehensive explanation to Puan Noraidah and Puan Shira that evening and they signed the letter (the refusal for autopsy) after they understood my explanation.

When asked about her demeanour at the time, Dr Logaraj said she appeared calm and coherent while he was speaking to her.

“At the time she appeared calm. I explained to her in simple, easy-to-understand language. I gave her time to think and mull it over, and she could answer me coherently. She was oriented to time, space and person,” he said.