KOTA KINABALU: Melalap assemblyman Datuk Peter Anthony could lose his seat if he does not submit a petition for pardon by Sept 2, following the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold his conviction and three-year prison term.
State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya, in a press conference on Thursday, said that failure to do so would see the Melalap seat automatically declared vacant on Sept 3, 2025.
He added that his office has yet to receive confirmation from Peter’s legal team on whether an appeal will be made to the Pardons Board.
The Court of Appeal had earlier upheld the Sessions Court’s ruling, which found Peter guilty, with his review application, filed on March 4 this year, dismissed.
Kadzim explained that under Article 17(1)(e) of the Sabah State Constitution, any assemblyman sentenced to at least one year’s imprisonment or fined RM2,000 or more is disqualified from holding the post.
Also present during the press conference were Deputy Speakers Datuk Richard Yong and Datuk Al Hambra Tun Juhar.
State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya, in a press conference on Thursday, said that failure to do so would see the Melalap seat automatically declared vacant on Sept 3, 2025.
He added that his office has yet to receive confirmation from Peter’s legal team on whether an appeal will be made to the Pardons Board.
The Court of Appeal had earlier upheld the Sessions Court’s ruling, which found Peter guilty, with his review application, filed on March 4 this year, dismissed.
Kadzim explained that under Article 17(1)(e) of the Sabah State Constitution, any assemblyman sentenced to at least one year’s imprisonment or fined RM2,000 or more is disqualified from holding the post.
Also present during the press conference were Deputy Speakers Datuk Richard Yong and Datuk Al Hambra Tun Juhar.