Melalap assemblyman Datuk Peter Anthony has 14 days to exhaust all legal avenues before his seat is automatically vacated, Sabah Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya said on Wednesday. 

This follows the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold his conviction and three-year jail sentence for falsifying documents.

Peter, who was found guilty on Tuesday (Mar 4), will serve his sentence at Kajang Prison.

Kadzim said this is in line with Article 17(1)(e) of the Sabah Constitution.

The provision states that any assemblyman sentenced to at least a year in jail or fined RM2,000 or more will lose their seat.

However, Kadzim said this must be read alongside other articles and laws governing the matter.

“With that, the Melalap assemblyman still has 14 days to exhaust all legal avenues before his seat is automatically vacated,” he told a press conference on Wednesday (Mar 5).

On whether a by-election will be held, Kadzim said there is no need as the state election is due later this year.

He said the next course of action depends on Peter’s lawyer. – March 5, 2025