Accra:The mother of Zara Qairina Mahathir, Noraidah Lamat, refused a post-mortem examination on her daughter despite being briefed on its importance, as revealed in the Coroner's Court today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, investigating officer Inspector Wong Yew Zhung informed Noraidah at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital that a post-mortem was essential to assist investigations into Zara Qairina's death. Despite explaining the process, Noraidah insisted on immediately burying her daughter without the procedure.

Wong noted that because Noraidah refused the post-mortem and the cause of death was identified, no POL 61 form was issued. He stated that Noraidah signed several documents on July 17, 2025, including a declaration refusing the post-mortem, acknowledging no suspicion of criminal activity in the death, and waiving the right to any post-mortem report.

Zara Qairina was pronounced dead from "severe traumatic brain injury with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy" on July 17, 2025, a day after being found unconscious near a school hostel drain. Although Wong intended to conduct a post-mortem to confirm the cause of death, he respected Noraidah's refusal given the already identified cause and to avoid burdening the family further.

The inquest proceedings will continue tomorrow with the same witness.