Shafie to remain as Semporna MP
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal will remain in his parliamentary and assembly roles despite a five-week jail sentence for contempt of court. A stay of execution has been granted while he appeals the conviction related to comments made during an inquest.
Why it matters
The case tests legal provisions regarding the disqualification of elected officials in Malaysia and highlights the intersection of political speech and judicial proceedings.
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal will continue serving as Semporna MP and Senallang assemblyman after being sentenced to five weeks’ jail for contempt of court, with the judge granting a stay of execution pending his appeal.
The Parti Warisan president said he had instructed his lawyers to challenge the conviction over remarks linked to the ongoing Zara Qairina Mahathir death inquest.
Shafie said he will continue serving as Semporna MP while challenging the conviction at the High Court.
“The court delivered its decision in the contempt proceedings against me, and I respect the court’s decision,” he said.
“I have instructed my lawyers to file an appeal and will allow the legal process to take its course.”
“My duty to the people remains unchanged,” the former Sabah chief minister added, explaining that the issue was about a young girl whose tragic death touched the hearts and conscience of the nation.
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