FORMER Sabah chief minister Musa Aman said the high court ruling declaring Shafie Apdal the rightful chief minister violated the state constitution.

Musa, who said his lawyers have been instructed to appeal the decision, said he was “disappointed” with the decision by high court judge Yew Jing Kie today.

“I thank the court, my family, my legal team and our loyal supporters for upholding and respecting Sabah’s constitution,” he said in a statement shortly after the court ruling.

“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 (His Excellency, the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri) powers to appoint and dismiss a chief minister. 

“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” said Musa.

The Kota Kinabalu High Court had ruled that Shafie, who is also Parti Warisan Sabah president, is Sabah’s rightful chief minister, after dismissing Musa’s suit challenging Shafie’s appointment.

Yew had also awarded RM30,000 in costs to be divided between Shafie and the first defendant, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Juhar Mahiruddin.

Musa arrived in Kota Kinabalu at 1.13pm from Kuala Lumpur, where he was charged with 35 counts of graft at the high court on Monday.

He is also facing a case involving alleged criminal intimidation against Juhar.

Musa’s lead counsel, Tengku Fuad Ahmad, told reporters that he is not satisfied with the judge’s decision to accept the Perak menteri besar crisis, which is a federal court case, as a valid argument from the opposing camp.

He said Perak, which has a monarch and reserve powers, does not have the same constitution as Sabah.

“We, of course, don’t agree with all the findings, but there are valid findings and we respect them.

“But my clients have the right to appeal, and therefore, will take this matter to a higher level.” – November 7, 2018.