Kota kinabalu: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will actively monitor defamatory and sub judice statements circulating on social media concerning the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the importance of basing any social media statements on facts, particularly during the ongoing inquest proceedings at the Coroner's Court in Kota Kinabalu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi highlighted the potential consequences of statements that deviate from factual accuracy, interfere with the court process, or embellish the truth. He noted that such actions are taken seriously by the government, which respects the inquest process and may take action if necessary. Fahmi mentioned that while the MCMC will closely examine the matter, any issues concerning sub judice are ultimately subject to the court's decision.
Fahmi's remarks came during an inspection of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme implementation at a local supermarket. He was accompanied by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. Fahmi also acknowledged a recent statement by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) regarding an individual who made defamatory remarks about the inquest proceedings, noting that a show-cause notice had been issued to the individual before any court action is taken, including for sub judice offences.
The minister added that if deemed necessary by the AGC, the individual could face charges of contempt of court. Furthermore, Fahmi addressed a request from Zara Qairina's mother, conveyed via her lawyer, to halt all 'Justice for Zara' solidarity gatherings temporarily. He urged netizens to respect the inquest process and refrain from making sub judice statements.
Zara Qairina, a 13-year-old Form One student, passed away on July 17 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. Her hospitalization followed her discovery, unconscious, in a drain near her school hostel early in the morning. The AGC ordered an inquest on August 13 after reviewing the police investigation report and had previously ordered the exhumation of Zara Qairina's body on August 8 for a post-mortem examination.