Kota Kinabalu: Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal will continue serving as the Senallang assemblyman despite receiving a five-week jail sentence, said State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim A Yahya (pic), the New Straits Times reported.
Kadzim said the sentence imposed on the Parti Warisan president does not affect his position as an assemblyman at this stage.
He said a jail sentence alone would have no effect, adding that even if a fine were imposed, it would not affect Shafie's status if it were below RM2,000.
Under Malaysian law, an assemblyman may be disqualified if sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment or fined RM2,000 or more, unless granted a pardon or a successful appeal is filed within the prescribed legal period.
Kadzim said Shafie's position remains unchanged while the case is under appeal, after the latter was sentenced to five weeks' jail for contempt over remarks he made regarding the inquest into the death of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
