Court dismisses Musa’s challenge to Sabah assembly dissolution

KOTA Kinabalu High Court has dismissed Musa Aman’s application to challenge Governor Juhar Mahiruddi’s decision to dissolve the Sabah assembly.

Judicial Commissioner Leonard David Shim made the ruling this morning.

He said the governor’s decision was non-justiciable and that he had acted within his power as provided under the state constitution.

Musa, the former chief minister, and 32 other assemblymen had filed for a judicial review, arguing that Juhar was not properly advised when he dissolved the assembly.

They named Juhar as first respondent, alongside Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, the Election Commission and the Sabah government.

The legal challenge came following Shafie’s announcement on July 30 that he had Juhar’s consent to dissolve the assembly with immediate effect to pave the way for a state election within 60 days.

Shafie’s move came just a day after Musa had said on July 29 that he had the support of 32 assemblymen, the number required for a majority in the state legislative.

Sabah’s snap election has been fixed for September 26. – August 21, 2020.