12 years later, Wan Ahmad Faris' death case resurfaces amid family’s legal battle, public pressure
Despite a Coroner’s Court findings in 2016 that he had been murdered, the case was classified as No Further Action in 2020, leaving the family in a prolonged struggle for justice.
SHAH ALAM - The death of tahfiz student Wan Ahmad Faris Wan Abdul Rahman in December 2013 has resurfaced as a matter of national concern after his family filed a lawsuit and a wave of public solidarity gatherings demanded that the investigation be reopened.
Despite a Coroner’s Court findings in 2016 that he had been murdered, the case was classified as No Further Action in 2020, leaving the family in a prolonged struggle for justice.
The 2013 tragedy: A suspicious death at a tahfiz school
Wan Ahmad Faris,16, a Form Four student, was discovered hanged in the hostel toilet of Maahad Tahfiz Sains Nurul Aman, Kok Lanas in December 2013.
A hostel supervisor found his body after noticing a foul odour coming from the toilet. Initial reports categorised his death as “sudden death” without criminal elements.
However, in June 2016, the Kota Bharu Coroner’s Court concluded that he had died “as a result of the actions of an unidentified individual,” ruling out suicide.
Family’s pursuit of justice: ‘My son did not take his own life’
Wan Ahmad Faris’ mother, Ruhani Hussin, 70, has never accepted the initial findings. She maintained that her son, a hafiz (person who has memorised the Quran) and a disciplined student, was killed and possibly bullied before his death.
“As a mother, I am certain that my eldest child did not take his own life but was murdered. I also believe he was bullied. I urged the police to carry out a transparent investigation.
“I want rightful justice for my only son, who had been the family’s hope,” she was reported as saying.
The tragedy, she said, also deeply affected her husband, Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Yaacob, 80.
Legal action: Family files suit against authorities
On July 28, the family’s lawyer Zulqarnain Lukman filed a civil action at the High Court against three parties: the Government of Malaysia, the Inspector-General of Police and the case’s investigating officer.
“The late Wan Ahmad Faris was not only a memoriser of the Quran, but also a disciplined and outstanding student. Yet he died under suspicious circumstances in the school hostel,” Zulqarnain emphasised.
He alleged that despite more than a decade passing, key witnesses were never called and the case file was frozen without action.
The case is scheduled for case management on Aug 26 at the Kota Bharu High Court.
Evidence from 2016 inquest: DNA, slippers and suspects
Another lawyer of the family, Alias Ibrahim, argued that sufficient evidence had been presented at the 2016 inquest to support criminal charges.
He cited critical items:
- DNA samples on a sarong found with the victim
- Slippers left at the scene
- Fingerprints that were never tested
“We are convinced that the testimonies and evidence available, including the names of suspects, were already enough back then to support a criminal charge.
“Unfortunately, until now, there has been no clear progress,” he told reporters on Aug 17.
Alias added that the death may have involved bullying and revenge from individuals who held grudges against the student.
Public solidarity: Thousands rally in Kota Bharu
On Aug 17, more than 1,000 people gathered peacefully outside Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu. The event, held under the national “Justice for Zara” movement, was organised by Wan Ahmad Faris’ family.
Participants lit candles and held placards demanding accountability. Speaking at the gathering, Ruhani urged continued support.
“I hope all of you will continue to stand with me in seeking the truth for Wan Ahmad Faris,” she said.
The turnout, which included people from across Kelantan, highlighted the public’s growing frustration over unanswered questions in cases involving student deaths.
Prime Minister’s response: Warning against exploitation
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, addressing the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly on Aug 18, cautioned against politicising the cases of both Wan Ahmad Faris and Zara Qairina Mahathir, the 13-year-old student who died in Sabah last month.
“Social media, particularly in emotionally charged situations, can amplify the spread of misinformation. I have addressed Parliament to warn against exploiting tragedies for personal gain.
“We must not exploit someone’s death for political purposes or mislead the public,” he said.
He also criticised false claims circulating online, including one by a TikTok user posing as a pathologist.
At the same time, Anwar pledged that the government would not tolerate bullying or abuse in any form.
“I hope we can put an end to this bullying culture,” he said.
Social media reacts: Calls for justice and end to bullying
On X (formerly Twitter), Malaysians expressed both grief and anger.
@dawnharun67: “Let this serve as a wake-up call to those who once bullied others and to those who continue doing so today. Your time will come.”
@PeopleOrange: “The strength of social media’s virality can become a powerful voice in the fight to end the culture of bullying in schools.”
@syiqman: “May the late victim’s family find the justice they deserve. It is truly heartbreaking to see the parents, already in their twilight years, still fighting tirelessly for their child’s cause.”
The road ahead
With the family pursuing both a civil suit and renewed calls for a fresh criminal investigation, pressure was mounting on authorities to revisit the case.
Lawyers have demanded that the probe be transferred from Kelantan police to Bukit Aman headquarters to ensure transparency, given the high level of public interest.
For Ruhani, the fight continues. Her son’s grave may never bring him back, but justice, even 12 years later, is what she demands.
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