The call was made by Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar following reports of death threats and negative comments on social media against Dr Jessie Hiu, a pathologist from the forensic department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital 1, who has been testifying in the inquest in the past week.
He said the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) will not tolerate any threats or comments that could intimidate witnesses, Bernama reported.
“We will not hesitate to take stern action against any party who interferes with the judicial process, including the intimidation of witnesses or the making of threats.
“The AGC also views gravely the actions taken against the witness in Zara’s inquest, Dr Jessie Hiu, as her testimony is crucial in assisting the coroner’s court to reach a just decision and deliver justice for all parties involved.
“Therefore, any form of threat, negative action, or behaviour that could endanger the lives of witnesses will not be taken lightly,” he was quoted as saying after an event in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, today.
Dusuki added that the case will be investigated thoroughly and expedited.
“We understand there are multiple witnesses, documents, and other elements involved. So patience is necessary as this inquest is being conducted to serve justice for all parties concerned, particularly the victim and her family,” he said, according to Bernama.
Separately, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Kalwinder Singh has condemned the online slander and threats directed at Hiu.
He said all medical experts deserve to carry out their responsibilities in a safe and respected space, urging the health ministry and relevant authorities to act swiftly in protecting Hiu and other healthcare workers from intimidation.
“We call upon authorities to investigate and hold accountable those who personally attack or undermine the professional work carried out by Dr Jessie Hiu.” he said.
Khalwinder noted that while differences of opinions are natural, public discourse must remain respectful and free from personal attacks.
Yesterday, police arrested a 61-year-old man in Semporna for allegedly threatening the pathologist involved in Zara’s inquest.
The arrest followed a police report lodged by Hiu over the death threats she received online.
Hiu had testified on Wednesday that it was not likely for Zara’s death to have been caused by an accidental fall or by being pushed from a standing position at the scene.
She also said it was possible Zara had climbed the concrete wall on the third floor of her hostel. However, she left it to the court to determine if Zara had voluntarily jumped.
The inquest was ordered after allegations of bullying were made after Zara died on July 17, a day after allegedly falling from the third floor of her school’s hostel in Papar, Sabah.