KUALA LUMPUR (July 30): The death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir has drawn serious concern from members of parliament, who raised alarms over school safety and bullying issues.

Datuk Matbali Musah (GRS-Sipitang) said the tragic incident, which claimed the life of the boarding school student in Papar, Sabah, was not only heartbreaking but also raised questions about how well the national education system protects students from bullying and negligence.

“How many more of our children must lose hope after being bullied before action is taken? I plead not just as a member of parliament but as a father, as a citizen, that school bullying be addressed with proactive measures,” he said while debating the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesdday.

Matbali urged the government to establish a special anti-bullying unit at every District Education Office (PPD), tasked with conducting regular monitoring in schools and holding meetings at least twice a year with schools, Parent-Teacher Associations and the police.

Datuk Suhaimi Nasir (BN-Libaran) said transparency in the investigation is crucial to uncover the truth and dispel any perception of negligence or conspiracy.

“Only through a transparent investigation can we restore public confidence in our education system. The family of the deceased deserves the truth, justice for their loss, and reform of the education system,” he said.

Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota), meanwhile, raised questions about the actual cause of the incident and whether it was an accident or involved criminal elements.

“If the incident was indeed an accident, what were the contributing factors. (Was it) the environment, hostel safety, or the emotional and mental state of the victim?

“I hope the Zara case is resolved swiftly, fairly, and transparently under the law, as this is crucial for her grieving family and to put an end to the rumours surrounding the case,” he said.

Zara Qairina, 13, died at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 11 am on July 17. She was brought to the hospital for treatment after being found unconscious in a drain near the hostel at 4 am on July 16.-Bernama