Witness Testifies Knowing About Zara Qairina Being Teased 'Sok Sok Badar' By Other Students

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- A senior student, who is also a member of the Da'wah and Spiritual Body (Badar) at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha, Papar, told the Coroner's Court here today that she was aware that other students mocked Zara Qairina Mahathir of “Sok Sok Badar” (“pretending to be Badar”).

The testimony was given by the 23rd child witness, also a hostel resident in the same hostel block as Zara Qairina, on the 29th day of the inquest proceedings into the teenager's death before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan today.

Sharing the testimony of the child witness, lawyer Rizwandean M Borhan, who is representing Zara Qairina’s mother, said the witness told the court that the teasing began when Zara Qairina started recording the names of students who did not perform prayers, although no one had instructed the Form One student to do so.

"The witness said she would remain silent and never told Zara Qairina to stop writing down the names,” Rizwandean told reporters after the proceedings.

The lawyer said the witness explained that the duties of Badar members are to manage the dakwah and surau programmes, as well as religious-related programmes, including questioning students who failed to perform their prayers, and recording the names of students who did not give valid reasons.

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COURT-ZARA (BADAR) 2 (LAST) KOTA KINABALU

He added that the witness said she recognised Zara Qairina as a junior staying in the same hostel block, though not in the same room, and often met the teenager at the hostel, surau and school around April, in addition to stating that Zara Qairina wanted to be friends with her. 

The witness also described Zara Qairina as a good, cheerful and friendly person who often smiled, greeted others and respected the senior students, adding that even she (the witness) liked being friends with her, though they were not close.

"According to the witness, Zara Qairina once wished her 'Good Luck’ before July 16 as she (the witness) was involved in a hockey tournament,” said Rizwandean, adding that the witness recalled teaching Zara Qairina the Arabic language after Zara sought her help.

Meanwhile, lawyer Joan Goh, who is representing one of the children charged in connection with Zara Qairina's case, said the witness also testified that she last saw Zara Qairina on July 15, at about 2 pm in the surau.

"The witness said she did not know what happened before Zara Qairina was found unconscious in a drain, as she (the witness) was asleep when the incident occurred,” she said, adding that the witness testified that Zara Qairina had never complained about being bullied by anyone.

Zara Qairina, 13, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, on July 17, a day after being found unconscious in a drain near her school hostel at 4 am on July 16.

The inquest proceedings will continue tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA