Zara's mother trusted the school, despite worrying about daughter's safety

Kota Kinabalu: Zara Qairina Mahathir's mother, Noraidah Lamat, expressed her worry for her daughter's safety at the religious hostel. Despite these concerns, Noraidah trusted the school's administration, drawing on her own experience as a former student there. When her daughter, Zara, mentioned unpleasant experiences at the hostel, Noraidah recounted that she had never been told Zara wished to transfer to another institution.

Instead, Zara expressed interest in a position within the school's religious and spiritual affairs body, she hoped for accommodation in a designated room due to fears of sharing a room with unruly students. Initially, Noraidah thought "touch-touch" referred to inappropriate touching, but upon further questioning, Zara clarified it meant acts of violence like punching or slapping, which terrified her.

Noraidah tried to calm her daughter's fears, advising her not to walk alone and to keep troublemakers away. However, when Zara reported being mocked by seniors during a school program, Noraidah held her hand, reassuring her of her presence and protection. Despite these grievances, Zara remained cheerful and proud of her activities at the school.

On July 16, 2025, Zara was found unconscious at the hostel and died the next day. Her remains were examined in August 2025, and five students were charged with insulting Zara; they all pleaded not guilty. The inquest began in September 2025 to determine the cause of her death, considering potential criminal involvement.