Arifin denies allegations linking his child to Zara Qairina case

BANGI: Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif has denied allegations linking his child to the recent tragic incident involving the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.

He said that while the late Zara Qairina was being treated in hospital, he, along with the Director-General and an entourage, had visited the student’s mother.

“Firstly, I wish to state that while she was receiving treatment in hospital, I was present together with the Director-General of the Ministry of Education (MOE) to visit and meet with her mother.

“Secondly, four days after her passing, I, along with colleagues from Yayasan Sabah and the Sindumin state assembly representative, visited Sipitang to convey the Chief Minister’s regards.

“I have read in the media about allegations claiming there is a person named Farisha, said to be my daughter. In truth, I have no child by that name, nor do I have any child studying at the said secondary school,” he said.

He was speaking to Media after attending the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) Roadshow with Sabah students here on Saturday.

Arifin, who is also the Sabah Education and Religious Affairs Exco, also prayed for the late student’s soul to be blessed by Allah SWT, and urged her mother and family to remain strong in facing the ordeal.

“We will wait for the outcome of the police investigation. We will not compromise regarding what happened to this student, and we urge that an open investigation continues to be carried out in the interest of justice for the late student,” he said.