KOTA KINABALU, July 29 -- Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is challenging his conviction and five-week jail sentence for contempt of court over remarks made regarding the inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.

The party confirmed today that its legal team will immediately file a notice of appeal to the High Court. While Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan found the former Sabah chief minister guilty of contempt, the court stayed the execution of the prison sentence, allowing Shafie to remain free pending the appeal.

Warisan secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua Jr stated that the party respects the court's decision but is committed to the appellate process.

"The court has also allowed th...