KOTA KINABALU, Sept. 22 -- Lawyers representing five students accused of bullying Zara Qairina Mahathir have criticised Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for calling the case "murder" during a political event, describing his remarks as "reckless, dangerous and an affront to the court."

Lawyers Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, Mohammed Fareez Mohamed Salleh and Sylvester Kuan, who are acting for four students identified as "B", "C", "D" and "E" in the inquest, said Shafie's comment was inflammatory while the proceedings were still ongoing.

"His statement is reckless, dangerous and disgusting. Calling this case murder without due process is highly irresponsible and gravely prejudicial to our clients. It is a...