Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) said he respects the court's decision to sentence him to five weeks' jail for contempt of court and has instructed his lawyers to file an appeal.
In a statement on Wednesday, Shafie said he would allow the legal process to take its course and would not comment further as the matter is now before the appellate court.
He said his duty to the people remains unchanged despite the court proceedings.
Shafie said the case had never been about him but about a young girl whose tragic death had deeply touched the hearts and conscience of the nation.
He said his hope has always been to uphold the truth, ensure justice prevails and strengthen public confidence in the country's institutions.
Shafie said he would continue to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to him as an elected representative with humility, integrity and respect for the rule of law.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan sentenced the Semporna Member of Parliament to five weeks' imprisonment for contempt of court over remarks related to the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, but granted a stay of execution pending his appeal to the High Court.
