The lawyers representing four students in the case said the remarks by Shafie were “reckless” and “dangerous”.

“Exploiting a tragedy for political gain is the lowest point any politician can go. Justice belongs in court, not on the campaign trail,” they said in a statement last night.

The lawyers – Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, Fareez Salleh and Sylyester Kuan – represent the four students who have been charged in a separate case with verbally abusing Zara. They also represent students B, C, D and E in the inquest into Zara’s death on July 17.

Shafie had reportedly questioned the length of time taken for the inquest, according to a video clip of a dinner that has been circulating.

The lawyers said he had also labelled the case as “murder” and questioned the conduct of the police investigation and the forensic pathologist.

“Calling this case murder without due process is highly irresponsible and gravely prejudicial to our clients,” they said, describing it as an attempt to “inflame public sentiment for political gain in the forthcoming state election”.

The team of lawyers also said Shafie’s remarks could damage public confidence in the judicial system, and warned against attempts to exploit the case for political mileage or the generation of content.

Earlier, lawyer Ram Singh, who represents Student A, said Shafie could be held in contempt of court for his remarks on the case while the inquest into her death was ongoing. He said he would bring up the matter when the inquest resumes today.

Zara, 13, died in hospital a day after she was found unconscious at 4am in a drain near her school. On Aug 13, the Attorney-General’s Chambers ordered that an inquest be held after reviewing the investigation report submitted by the police.