Why is only Fadhlina facing the heat in the tragic case of Zara Qairina, while others escapes scrutiny?
Political analysts say the backlash against Fadhlina has been building over time, fueled by what many perceive as a string of missteps during her tenure, from controversial school directives to a lack of substantive education reforms, creating the impression that this latest incident was yet another example of ministerial incompetence.
SHAH ALAM – Following the tragic death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, public outrage has been loud and widespread, with ministries under intense scrutiny over their handling of the case.
Zara reportedly fell from the third floor of a religious school dormitory in Papar, Sabah, on July 16 and died the next day at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital. The student has been suspected of being a victim of bullying at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Datuk Mustapha.
Since then, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has borne the brunt of public anger, despite the involvement of multiple agencies including the police, under the purview of Home Ministry, as well Health Ministry.
Yet amid the criticism directed at Fadhlina, one question remains: Why has Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, whose ministry oversees the police, and the Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, largely escaped such scrutiny by the public?
Political analysts say the backlash against Fadhlina has been building over time, fueled by what many perceive as a string of missteps during her tenure, from controversial school directives to a lack of substantive education reforms, creating the impression that this latest incident was yet another example of ministerial incompetence.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said the focus on Fadhlina was partly due to the ministry’s direct link to the case and based on gendered expectations.
“The Education Ministry is seen as the immediate agency responsible because it involves school children.
“Fadhlina is also viewed as an easy target, she’s a woman and a newcomer to politics. Women politicians are often expected to be more maternal and take greater responsibility, unlike men who are seen as leaders rather than caretakers,” she said when contacted.
Syaza added that the Opposition has also seized on the tragedy for political gain, while public expectations for the Education Ministry to be transparent and responsive have made it more vulnerable to criticism compared to law enforcement bodies.
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun shared similar thoughts, stating that the repeated controversies during Fadhlina’s tenure had reinforced public perceptions of incompetence, citing incidents such as the national flag presentation mishap.
In contrast to the Home Ministry and police, he said, were powerful enforcement bodies that could push back harder against criticism, deterring public attacks.
Oh, however, downplayed the gender factor, saying criticism was more about perceived performance, as seen with former education minister Maszlee Malik.
“This is just the latest in a series of mishaps from a ministry yet to deliver meaningful reforms,” he said.
The anger online has been relentless, with calls for Fadhlina’s resignation dominating X, Instagram and TikTok. Social media users have accused her of poor crisis management, inconsistent directives and misplaced priorities during the unfolding of the Zara case.
It should be noted that the police have since admitted procedural failures in the investigation.
Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar confirmed the investigating officer did not request a post-mortem despite suspicious circumstances including bruises on Zara’s body and her mother’s report of suspected bullying.
The officer would be referred to the police Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (ISCD) for further investigation and potential disciplinary review.
Despite this acknowledgement, public outrage remains firmly fixed on Fadhlina, a disparity analysts say stemmed from her political vulnerability, perceived accessibility and societal expectations tied to her gender, making her an easy scapegoat regardless of where the institutional failures lie.
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