KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah state assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang has urged Parliament to pass legislation that requires mandatory reporting and prompt, independent investigation of all deaths occurring under unusual, unexpected, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances.
In making the call, he said this was necessary to prevent future incidents like the suspicious death of Zara Qairina—an event that has sparked unwarranted rumours, protests, and accusations of cover-up.
Ligunjang said such investigations must include necessary post-mortem examinations and autopsy reports to accurately determine the cause of death.
“These procedures shall be carried out regardless of religious beliefs, cultural practices, or the wishes of immediate relatives.
“While respecting families’ preferences where possible, they must not be allowed to delay or obstruct legally authorised investigative processes.
“The law must explicitly prohibit any individual or group from obstructing, circumventing, or interfering with established protocols for death investigations,” he said in his latest social media post.
According to him, clear guidelines for immediate notification, defined authority lines for investigative agencies, and standardised procedures will promote consistency and prevent informal or extralegal efforts that hinder the fact-finding process.
“Violations such as obstruction, concealment, failure to report, or acts intended to frustrate lawful investigations shall be deemed offences punishable by penalties or imprisonment as prescribed by law.
“To uphold public confidence and protect the rights of the deceased and their families, the legislation should include safeguards such as independent oversight, respect for human dignity, timely communication of findings, and access to remedies in cases of inadequately conducted investigations,” he said.
Ligunjang said this law aims to enhance accountability, deter impunity—particularly for vulnerable communities—and ensure that all deaths under suspicious circumstances are examined transparently, professionally, and in the public interest.
