LAHAD DATU – A man has come forward to deny allegations linking his daughter to the Zara Qairina Mahathir case that recently went viral on social media.
According to a statement circulated on social media, the man, who claimed to be the father of the teenager whose photo was posted on the same platform, strongly denied the allegations.
"I am the father of this student and I strongly deny the slander linking my daughter to the Zara's case.
"My daughter attended school there from 2022 (Form One) until 2024 (Form Three) and in early 2025, she received an offer and transferred to a Vocational College in Lahad Datu, where she is currently studying," he said in the statement.
Following this, the man warned that he would take legal action against anyone who attempted to link his daughter to the case.
"I will not hesitate to file a civil lawsuit against any individual who tries to associate my daughter with this case.
"For your information, a police report has been lodged against a TikTok account that uploaded photos and videos of my daughter on their account. Although they have apologised and deleted the video, some individuals are still spreading false news," he said.
He also urged the public to always verify the authenticity of news before sharing it publicly or allowing it to go viral on social media.
Regarding developments in the Zara's case, Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob has called for a full and professional investigation in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to determine whether the case involved criminal elements or not.
"I also urge the school, the Sabah State Education Department and the Education Ministry to investigate and provide reports on compliance with SOPs, school discipline and safety of the school and hostel," he said.
He stressed that he has not made any assumptions, speculations or accused any individuals or groups.
However, after two weeks without news or investigation results, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and netizens have risen up as the matter went viral.
"Now NGOs and various groups will continue to shout 'Justice For Zara' until there is an answer from the authorities. They will not stop until those involved are brought to justice," he said.
At the burial site where Zara was laid to rest, it is understood that the police only conducted security checks during the exhumation process, which was carried out last Saturday and Sunday.