Musa Aman totally disappointed, will appeal controversial decision

KOTA KINABALU - Former chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman says he is disappointed with the decision of the High Court and has asked his lawyers to appeal the dismissal of his suit against the Yang DiPertua Negeri and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

"We are, of course, disappointed with today’s decision. However, this issue goes beyond whether I am chief minister or not.

"This is about the sanctity and proper interpretation of Sabah’s Constitution and the TYT’s powers to appoint and dismiss a chief minister," he said in a brief statement after the judgement on Wednesday (Nov 7).

Musa, who flew back to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur at 1pm on Wednesday, did not turn up at the courthouse, where Shafie and his cabinet members were among a large number of Parti Warisan Sabah supporters waiting for the decision.

Musa said, "I am of the view that these issues have not been fully resolved today, and I have instructed my lawyers to appeal today’s decision."

He thanked his legal team and loyal supporters for upholding and respecting Sabah’s Constitution.

The High Court Wednesday dismissed former Musa’s legal bid to declared the rightful Sabah Chief Minister after he was dismissed by Tun Juhar Mahiruddin who appointed Shafie on May 12.

Kuching High Court judge Datuk Yew Jen Kie ruled that Shafie's appointment was valid under the Sabah constitution.

The decision puts an end to the political uncertainty in the state following the May 9 general election that left Sabah with a hung state assembly.

By Muguntan Vanar