Kota Kinabalu: A child psychologist told the Coroner’s Court on Monday that the available evidence indicates the need for a careful assessment of external, situational and interpersonal factors in Zara Qairina Mahathir’s school and hostel environment before her incident, rather than attributing her death solely to family conflict or her internal psychological state.
Dr Noor Aishah Rosli, 51, who is also a registered counsellor, said the available data supported a broader evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly within the school and hostel setting, and that Zara’s relationship with her mother should not be viewed in isolation as the primary contributing factor.
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The 76th deponent, testifying before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan at the inquest into the cause of Zara’s death, said the overall evidence reflected a relationship characterised by attachment, love, emotional support and open communication.
She also cautioned against drawing psychological conclusions based solely on one category of material, such as selected diary entries, saying a proper assessment should integrate the child’s developmental history, interviews, phone call transcripts, witness observations, school history, family background, protective factors and situational factors close to the time of the incident.
Based on her professional assessment, Noor Aishah concluded that Zara’s overall psychological profile was that of a cheerful, sociable and active child who was caring, generous, motivated, had aspirations and shared a close relationship with her mother.
