'Bullying is not normal, it kills and this time, it killed a life', Mimi Lana demands justice for Zara Qairina
“Whether she was murdered or not, the fact is she was bullied and the bullies are still walking free. What are we waiting for? Another child to die before we act?," she said.
SHAH ALAM - The tragic death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir has shocked the nation, with growing public outrage over suspicions that the teen was a victim of bullying at a school in Papar, Sabah.
Among those calling for justice was actress Mimi Lana, who took to social media to express her fury at what she believed to be a failed system that allowed the abuse to continue.
Zara, a Form One student, was found in critical condition at around 3am on July 16, near a drain below her hostel and was rushed to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. She died the following day.
Initial reports suggested she fell from the third floor of her dormitory, but police have not ruled out bullying as a contributing factor.
Mimi, known for her role in "The Experts" movie, wrote a message on her Instagram account demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
“We need justice for Zara, now! Zara, a school student, repeatedly voiced her suffering, naming every single bully who tortured her physically and mentally.
“She cried for help, gave signs, but her voice was never truly heard, until she was gone. Zara deserved to live, but the system failed to protect her.
“Now, the system needs to be fixed. Reveal the faces of the students she named and those who let it all happen. Justice for Zara must be served,” Mimi wrote.
She stressed that regardless of the official cause of death, the undeniable truth was that Zara was bullied and her tormentors have not been held accountable.
“Whether she was murdered or not, the fact is she was bullied and the bullies are still walking free. What are we waiting for? Another child to die before we act?
“Everyone involved must be investigated and arrested, including the parents who continue to protect their children even though they know they are bullies.
“You are destroying your own child. We cannot stay silent anymore. This has become a cancer in our society. School bullying is not normal. It kills spirits, it kills hope and this time, it has killed a life,” she said.
Mimi also offered prayers for Zara and sent words of comfort to her grieving parents, wishing them strength and peace in facing the ordeal.
Zara’s death has sparked nationwide discussion on school bullying, mental health and the responsibility of schools and families in protecting children.
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