Zara Qairina's mother tells court of close bond with daughter

KOTA KINABALU: The late Zara Qairina Mahathir's mother, Noraidah Lamat, told the Coroner's Court that she loved her only child deeply and that they shared a close relationship.

Noraidah said she and Zara were almost always together, except when Zara was at school or when she attended courses where she was not allowed to bring her daughter.

"Zara and I were very close. I loved her very much because she was my only child and my hope," she said while reading her witness statement.

Noraidah said Zara loved to talk and, from a young age, would often share stories with her about school, competitions, friends, teachers and ustazah.

Whenever Zara had problems, she would usually confide in her mother, who would respond with words of encouragement and motivation.

Noraidah said Zara also showed her affection by being playful, joking, hugging and kissing her, and frequently making cards for her, including birthday cards and cards bearing the words, "Zara loves Mama."

She said she also expressed her love and affection for Zara, including by carrying her in her arms until she was in Year Four.

By the age of 10, Zara no longer wanted to be carried but still enjoyed being hugged and kissed.

Noraidah said that when Zara was five, they came up with the phrase "Sayang Cinta Rindu, Muahh I Love You", which they would say whenever she dropped Zara off at school.

The phrase remained part of their routine after Zara entered secondary school, including during their telephone conversations.

Noraidah said that, like other mothers and daughters, there were times when she reprimanded or scolded Zara when she did something wrong, but this was intended to educate and discipline her, not to hurt her.

"As far as I can remember, whenever Zara sulked, she would usually become quiet and often write in a book. However, she would not sulk for long. She would start talking to me again as though nothing had happened," she said.

Noraidah said that throughout Zara's childhood, her daughter often expressed herself through recording videos, joking, making up short rhymes, drawing, colouring, making crafts, singing, playing with toys and spending time with pets such as cats, fish and tortoises.

"When Zara was happy, she would talk, sing, write, take photographs, record videos and joke around. When she was sad, she would keep quiet for a while and write in a book, and whenever she had a problem, she would usually confide in me.

"I would give her words of encouragement and motivation," she said.

Noraidah described Zara as a cheerful and courageous child who was articulate and loved to talk, cared deeply for her family and pets, was active at school, ambitious and had many friends.

"Before the incident, Zara had never shown signs of stress. Despite the various incidents of teasing and bullying at the hostel, whenever I advised her and gave her words of encouragement, Zara would regain her spirit," she said.