Datuk Peter Anthony seeks review of conviction ahead of the anticipated Sabah state election.
Former Sabah minister requests the Court of Appeal hearing before the state assembly dissolution.
KUALA LUMPUR : – Lawyers for Datuk Peter Anthony, the former Sabah Minister of Infrastructure Development, have requested that the Court of Appeal expedite the hearing of his application to review his conviction and sentence before the anticipated dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
The application relates to Peter’s appeal against the appellate court’s decision to uphold his conviction and sentence of three years’ imprisonment and a RM50,000 fine.
The conviction stems from the falsification of documents involving a contract for maintenance and services at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) dating back 11 years.
During proceedings on Wednesday, Peter’s counsel, Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, told the court: “The Sabah State Assembly is expected to be dissolved soon, likely by September. My client is also the assemblyman for Melalap, so we hope the court will schedule the hearing before that date.”
The request was made after the three-judge panel, chaired by Datuk Azman Abdullah and comprising Datuk Lim Chong Fong and Datuk Dr Lim Hock Leng, adjourned the proceedings.
Justice Azman said the court required more time to examine the full grounds of judgment in the case, stating: “After reviewing the submissions and affidavits filed, we find that the arguments touch upon the summary grounds of judgment. Therefore, we need to look into the full reasons to thoroughly assess the application.”
The court subsequently scheduled the hearing to resume on 20 August, a date that was not objected to by Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, who represented the respondent.
Peter had filed the review application on 14 March, challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision which had affirmed the original conviction and sentence delivered by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court in May 2022.
According to the notice of motion, Peter is seeking a review and reversal of his conviction under Section 468 of the Penal Code. He also requested the cancellation of a warrant of committal issued to Kajang Prison and any consequential orders to ensure justice is served. – thevibes.com