KOTA KINABALU, Aug 16 – More than 10,000 people thronged Padang Merdeka here last night to show solidarity to the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Members of the public started gathering at the field as early as 7pm, carrying placards and banners depicting their support for the Form One student.
The venue was visibly packed after 8pm, with several government and opposition leaders and members also spotted at the scene.
It was understood that the event was organised by a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Irwan Idrus, who came with five friends and family members from Tanjung Aru, attended the gathering to show his support to the late Zara and family.
He expressed frustration that the case has been going on for some time but there is still no conclusion, as he lamented slow action by the relevant authorities.
“So we hope that with the power of the rakyat, we can pressure the authorities to provide a swift conclusion to the case so that we can find out what really happened to Zara,” he told The Borneo Post when met.
Among the political leaders present was Sepanggar Member of Parliament Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud, who went on stage and joined the public in demanding justice for Zara.
Mustapha told the crowd that he forgives all those who tried to implicate his wife in the case, a rumour that had previously spread on social media.
Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) legal advisor Chin Tek Ming also went on stage and addressed the crowd in a show of solidarity.
Other Warisan members spotted were vice president Datuk Junz Wong, Putatan chief Datuk Uda Sulai as well as Darau assemblyman Datuk Azhar Matussin.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew also spoke to reporters at the location.
Liew said they gathered there as concerned citizens to reaffirm the “‘No’ to School Bullying” message, and to advocate for institutional reforms in residential schools.
She proposed the pressing need to do away with any ‘reactive approach’ whereby the relevant authorities may only respond when a tragedy occurs, causing the loss of lives.
“We demand justice for 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir in unison.
“A promising life was cut short under mysterious circumstances.
“Her tragic death must not be in vain,” she said.
Two more rallies are expected to he held on Saturday at Taman Chong Thien Vun and Lintasan Deasoka.
The Borneo Post
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