KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — The forensic pathologist expert examining 13-year- old Zara Qairina Mahathir’s body said that her opinion was in no way affected by any “VViPs” or third parties.
Dr Jessie Hiu said that her opinion on the cause of death was based on her experience and expertise as a forensic pathologist and medical evidence.
“I’m not aware of any VVIP or third party in this case,” she said.
Lawyer Datuk Ram Singh has asked whether her findings and conclusions on Zara’s injuries and cause of death were her own and based on her knowledge to which she answered “yes”.
Ram: Your answer would not in any way be influenced or affected by the allegations of VVIP or third party? Means its solely your own expertise?
At this point, coroner judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan interjected and asked Ram to clarify what he meant by “VVIP” or third party.
Ram: Any VVIP, any third party, maybe myself?
Dr Hiu then said she was not aware of any such individuals or parties.
Zara’s death has been marred by controversies, from alleged mishandling of the investigations to alleged cover-ups involving “VVIPs” and elements of bullying.
The widespread interest in Zara’s death has sparked not only sparked authorities to review the handling and procedures of her case, but also unfiltered social media content. Police and authorities have repeatedly warned the public against spreading falsehoods.
Ministers, assemblymen, Sabah police commissioner and the Head of State has been implicated in her death although no evidence of any of their involvement has been proven.
Authorities have been actively taking action against those found spreading false information online.
Earlier today, a 32-year-old housewife Asmaziah Sedek was fined RM10,000 here for stating on Facebook that children of powerful people — a minister, a policeman, a headmaster, and even related to the Head of State were involved and that authorities were “protecting murderers.”
In Sepang, a teacher, Siti Hajar Aflah Sharuddin, 39 was charged for claiming that Zara was put in a washing machine while a retired headmaster was also charged for threatening Dr Hiu for her testimony.
