KOTA KINABALU: The fledgling Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) will remain intact despite the conviction of and three-year jail sentence imposed on its president Datuk Peter Anthony by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Thursday (May 26).

       KDM vice-president Martin Tommy said that the party would continue its political activities and Anthony would continue to lead the party and serve as Melalap assemblyman while appealing against the verdict.

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       He said at the time KDM was formed, the president was already facing a criminal charge and the possibility that he would be convicted was anticipated.

       "As far as the party is concerned, we will continue our political struggle as usual," said Tommy.

       The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court found Anthony, a former state minister, guilty of using false documents relating to a system maintenance contract for Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here nine years ago. He was also fined RM50,000.

       Tommy said that the KDM supreme council would meet in Kota Kinabalu soon to discuss the latest developments before the president issues a statement.

       Anthony, together with Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, quit Parti Warisan in December last year and threw their support behind the state government under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional.

       On March 13, Anthony launched KDM with Juil named as deputy president. However, the party's application to be part of GRS has yet to be accepted.