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FORMER Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal will continue serving as the Senallang state assemblyman after his five-week jail sentence for contempt of court failed to meet the constitutional threshold for disqualification.
Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya said the sentence did not have any immediate impact on the Parti Warisan (WARISAN) president’s status as a state lawmaker.
"If it is a prison sentence, there will be no effect. I am not sure if the court imposed any fine. If there is a fine but it is below RM2,000, it will also not affect his position.
"However, as long as the sentence is still being appealed, his position remains status quo and there is no impact for now," he said.
Under Article 17(1)(e) of the Sabah State Constitution, an assemblyman will lose eligibility to remain in office only if convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment of not less than one year or fined not less than RM2,000.
Shafie was earlier sentenced by the Sessions Court to five weeks’ imprisonment after being found guilty of contempt of court over remarks made in relation to the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
However, Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan granted a stay of execution pending Mohd Shafie’s appeal against the conviction, allowing him to maintain his position as Senallang assemblyman while the legal process proceeds.
In his judgment, Amir Shah ruled that the prosecution had successfully established its case against Mohd Shafie beyond reasonable doubt under Section 99A of the Subordinate Courts Act 1948. - July 29, 2026
