Kota Kinabalu: The Sessions Court has fixed May 25 for a mention in the committal proceedings involving former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, to receive an update on a judicial review application seeking to quash the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan set the date during a Zoom mention of the case on Friday.
Shafie is alleged to have made remarks concerning the inquest that may amount to contempt of court, while the court had previously granted a stay of the committal proceedings pending updates on the judicial review.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Christopher Enteri Mawan, when contacted, said that the prosecution had informed the court that the judicial review was still ongoing and had not yet been concluded.
“The court then asked parties to update it on the status of the judicial review in the High Court at the next mention via Zoom. The parties will also discuss the constitutional issues related to an ordinance and the impact on federal and state law,” he said.
On Nov 21, 2025, the judicial review was filed to challenge the ongoing inquest into Zara’s death, claiming that the proceedings were not conducted in accordance with Sabah’s inquest laws.
The application, filed by Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ekonomi Semangat Bersatu Malaysia (Pembela), named the Attorney-General and the Coroner’s Sessions Court as the first and second respondents respectively.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC) had objected to the application. Christopher, together with DPPs Mohamad Mustaffa P Kunyalam and Nadia Mohd Izhar, represents the A-GC.
Counsels Jakariya Ab Jalil, Chen Ket Chuin and Batholomew Jingulam represent Shafie.
