KOTA KINABALU, Nov 8 — A witness told the Coroner’s Court yesterday that her sister, a senior and schoolmate of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir, had allegedly uttered warning words and threatened to “touch” Zara Qairina, though no physical contact occurred.

The 31st witness testified that her sister, who was their senior, verbally told Zara Qairina, “Kau ni ah kalau aku touch touch kau ni, abis kau” (If I touch you, you’ll be done).

According to a statement from the legal team representing Zara Qairina’s mother, the witness recalled that Zara Qairina appeared frightened upon hearing those words, though she did not cry.

“The witness, who is also deponent number 40, stated that her sister’s words were only a verbal threat and that no junior student, including Zara, was touched,” the counsel said.

The witness understood the phrase “touch touch” to mean that her sister intended to hit the person, though it never happened.

She recounted that the incident occurred around 10pm in late April 2025, when Zara Qairina came alone to her dorm room to apologise to the witness and her friend over an alleged letter containing mocking words directed at her friend.

“The letter allegedly contained the phrase ‘Sok-sok orku,’ which mocked someone for ‘feeling strong,’” the counsel explained.

The witness said she was unsure whether Zara Qairina had written the letter but believed another junior was involved. During the encounter, several Form Four seniors passed by and asked about the situation. After learning about the letter, they advised Zara Qairina and the other junior student not to repeat their mistake.

Shortly after, the witness’s sister arrived at the scene and allegedly uttered the warning words to Zara Qairina.

The witness also testified that she later learned about the alleged letter from another senior Form Two student’s friend but could not recall its contents.

She added that the seniors present that night were cordial toward Zara Qairina and even greeted her nicely.

Following the incident, the witness said her relationship with Zara Qairina remained “okay,” noting that Zara Qairina would still smile at her when they met.

The witness confirmed that about nine seniors from Form Two and Form Four were in the room with Zara Qairina and another junior student that night. She also agreed that some Form Two seniors did not like Zara Qairina but was unsure who they were.

The witness said she never heard Zara Qairina mocking her and had no knowledge of any alleged insults written by Zara Qairina.

The inquest proceedings will continue on November 10. — The Borneo Post