Lawyer Azhier Farhan Arisin, who is representing four teenagers who were charged with bullying Zara, also said the witness had been shown an entry in Zara’s diary in which she had lamented about not being well-liked.

“When we asked if what had been written had been raised by Zara before, the witness replied in the affirmative,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

Azhier was speaking to reporters outside the coroner’s court in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The media is prohibited from covering the testimonies by the child witnesses.

He said according to the witness, there was no unusual sounds, such as Zara being assaulted or dragged, on the night that the 13-year-old was questioned by a group of students over an alleged theft.

Azhier said another child witness testified that she and Zara had spent a night at the latter’s home in Sipitang, two days before she was found unconscious.

The witness said Zara was scolded by her mother before they were both sent back to the hostel.

Zara died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu, on July 17, a day after she was found unconscious in a drain near her school’s hostel in Papar at 4am.

Last month, five teenage girls were charged in the children’s court in Kota Kinabalu, with verbally abusing Zara.

The five, whose identities are being withheld as they are below 18, were charged with uttering abusive words against the victim which could have caused her distress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek help. Talk to someone you trust or call Befrienders at 03-7627 2929.