Nik Nazmi urges Education Minister to step up in wake of Zara Qairina’s death

SHAH ALAM – Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has urged Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to improve her crisis management and public engagement, saying the tragic death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir highlights the urgent need to address bullying in schools.

The former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had made it clear that the case must be investigated thoroughly and transparently.

“There are still many aspects being looked into and the process will take its course. But when you are a minister, it is not just about handling the crisis, it is also about managing public perception,” he told Sinar Daily at the Karangkraf Complex, here, today.

Nik Nazmi said the Education Ministry was one of the most important portfolios in the government, with many former prime ministers including Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Anwar having once held the position.

He said in Zara’s case, the ministry’s slow initial response in addressing the crisis may have contributed to the situation becoming more challenging.

“This often opens the door for criticism, even on unrelated matters such as the recent viral video of Fadhlina asking students to wish Anwar a happy birthday.

“Almost everyone feels a connection to the Education Ministry whether through their children or their own schooling experience. People are familiar with its challenges and the expectations are always high.

“I hope the Education Minister will improve,” he said.

Nik Nazmi also suggested that Fadhlina strengthen engagement, show empathy to those raising concerns and address matters directly.

While he acknowledged that various rumours about the case were circulating online and stressing that he does not support them, Nik Nazmi said ignoring public concerns was risky.

Zara Qairina was reported to have fallen from the third floor of a religious school dormitory building in Papar on July 16, before being pronounced dead the following day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital.

“Anyone familiar with media dynamics knows that silence leaves a vacuum, which is never a good approach. It is crucial to present your side early and engage openly.

“Instead of criticising the media or parents, the focus should be on the root issue which is bullying. Which is the real and larger problem that needs urgent attention,” he added.

On Aug 8, it was reported that the Attorney-General's Chambers said Zara's grave needed to be exhumed for a post-mortem to allow further investigation.

The next day, her remains were exhumed from the Tanjung Ubi Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Mesapol, Sipitang and taken to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital for the post-mortem before being reburied at the same cemetery on Aug 12.

The 13-year-old was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school's dormitory at about 4am.

Earlier, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the investigation into the death of the Form One student from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar, Sabah, which was initially classified as sudden death, will now focus on possible criminal elements, including bullying.

At a press conference, he said this was among the findings of a special CID team comprising nine officers and personnel sent to Sabah on Aug 11 to probe the case.