Jail sentence does not affect Shafie Apdal's position as ADUN – Speaker

THE five-week prison sentence handed down to former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal does not affect his position as a State Assemblyman (ADUN).

Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya said that if the sentence imposed only involves imprisonment without any other implications, it will not necessarily affect Mohd Shafie's position.

"If the prison sentence has no effect, I do not know if there is a fine imposed by the court.

"If there is a fine but it is below RM2,000, it will not be affected either," he said.

He said that if the court's decision is still under appeal, Mohd Shafie's position will remain as it is.

"Regardless, if the sentence is still being appealed, the position is status quo; there is no further impact," he said.

Earlier, Mohd Shafie was sentenced after being found guilty of contempt of court following a statement he made regarding the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir. – July 29, 2026