FORMER Sabah chief minister Musa Aman has asked for more time before he takes his oath as a member of the state assembly, said his lead counsel.

Tengku Fuad Tengku Ahmad said Musa cited medical reasons in making the request, and indicated this in a letter dated July 30 to Sabah Speaker Syed Abas Syed Ali.

He said Musa is leaving it to Syed Abas to decide on the matter.

“The speaker has been made aware of Musa’s grave medical condition.

“Furthermore, Musa has given his undertaking to update the speaker, and also offered to provide a full medical report should it be required,” he said in a statement today.

The statement was in response to reports that Musa and his son, Yamani Hafez, have until next month and January next year, respectively, to take their oaths as assemblyman and MP.

In the 14th general election, Musa retained the Sibuga state seat, while newcomer Yamani won the Sipitang parliamentary seat.

Both men have gone missing. Musa, through his lawyer, had put in on record that he left Sabah on May 16.

It was reported that he had gone to the UK to receive medical treatment and had yet to return to Sabah.

He is wanted by police to facilitate investigations in a criminal intimidation case filed by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Juhar Mahiruddin.

Yamani is said to be accompanying his father overseas.

The duo risk their seats being declared vacant, followed by by-elections being called, if they fail to take their oaths in a timely manner.

Musa has 90 days, from the first day of the state assembly sitting on June 11, while Yamani has six months, from July 16.

It was reported that the Dewan Rakyat did not receive a notification letter from Yamani on why he was not present during the swearing-in ceremony for MPs.

Based on the 90-day rule, Musa’s deadline is September 9. He can opt to be sworn in during the next state assembly sitting, scheduled for the middle of this month. – August 9, 2018.