THE Sessions Court in Kota Kinabalu has fixed 3 Februar, 2026 for the hearing of former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal over allegations of contempt of court linked to his statements regarding the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan set the date and instructed the prosecution to file its affidavit by 26 December. The defence is expected to submit a reply affidavit on or before 9 January, with written arguments from both sides due by 19 January.
Mohd Shafie, who is also the Member of Parliament for Semporna, was not present in court but was represented by his legal team, Chen Ket Chuin KC, along with Jakariya Ab Jalil and Bartholomew Jingulam.
Chen Ket Chuin told reporters that the defence had filed an application on 15 December to quash the committal proceedings.
"In addition, we have filed a supporting affidavit for the application as well as an affidavit of objection to challenge the committal proceedings," he said.
He added, "The court has instructed the prosecution to file its reply affidavit by 26 December. We will file our rebuttal affidavit on or before 9 January, and the written submissions must be lodged by 19 January 2026. The hearing of the proceedings is set for 3 February 2026."
The prosecution is being handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalan.
Meanwhile, in the same court, activist Che Muna Din, better known as Mona Din, who was charged for questioning a witness's statement during the inquest on 4 September, pleaded guilty. The court imposed a RM300 fine, with a 14-day jail term in default of payment.
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