KOTA KINABALU: The exhumed remains of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir arrived at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) late on Saturday following a post-mortem order.
Her body reached the hospital’s Radiology Department at 10.30pm for a CT scan before being moved to the Forensic Pathology Department about 20 minutes later.
A police truck carrying the remains was greeted by chants of takbir and “Justice for Zara” from around 100 supporters gathered outside.
Family lawyer Hamid Ismail said the autopsy, scheduled for 9am Sunday under Dr Jessie Hiu, is expected to be completed the same day to allow for reburial.
He expressed hope that the findings would clarify the circumstances of Zara’s death and support the process towards a formal inquest.
Hamid recalled the rain-soaked 6pm exhumation at Tanjung Ubi Cemetery in Kampung Mesapol, Sipitang, saying Zara’s mother, Noraidah Lamat, remained composed and determined in identifying her daughter’s remains.
Noraidah was also seen at the hospital before leaving in the front passenger seat of a hearse, briefly waving to the crowd.