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The death of Zara Qairina Mahathir is unlikely to have been caused by an accidental fall or being pushed from a standing position, a forensic pathology expert has testified
Dr Jessie Hiu, a forensic pathologist at Hospital Queen Elizabeth in Kota Kinabalu since 1998, said she was asked on 2 August to provide a professional opinion on the antemortem injuries sustained by Zara.
"I have reviewed her medical records, including X-rays, CT and CTA scans, and conducted an on-site examination," Dr Hiu said while reading a five-page written statement before Coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan.
According to her, the horizontal metal railing at the top of the concrete wall on the third floor measured 118cm from the floor, while the deceased's height was 154cm.
"The difference of 36cm means the railing was above her centre of gravity, making an accidental fall unlikely," Dr Hiu said.
The pathologist explained that, based on the measurements of the wall and railing, it was possible for Zara to climb the wall, cross the railing, and stand atop the concrete structure
She also noted that, for women, the centre of gravity when in a standing position is typically located in the pelvis, below the navel, which supported her assessment.
According to Harian Metro, Dr Hiu has handled an average of 100 to 150 post-mortem cases annually and has provided expert testimony 10 to 15 times a year in Magistrate, Sessions, and High Courts in Sabah and Labuan.
