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.
