BN state assemblyperson Mustafa Salim is still the legitimate representative of Lenggeng as the final verdict has not been heard yet, said Election Commision chief Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.

NONE He added that , the assemblyperson will not be disqualified until he has exhausted all legal venues in appealing the verdict.

"The verdict will be delivered on April 1. It will not come into force until the end of 14 days, in which time he can file for an appeal with the High Court.

"The legal process is lengthy. After the High Court he can take the matter to the Appeals Court then then Federal Court and then there is the Royal Pardon," Abdul Aziz( left ) told reporters at Merlimau.

The long steps to by-election

He added that Mustafa will only disqualified if he does not appeal, and if sentenced to one or more years in jail and a fine of at least RM2,000 or both.

Even if Mustafa is disqualified, a by-election will not be triggered if the final court verdict comes after April 28, this year.

"A by-election is not required if a seat is declared vacant 2 years before the expiry of a term.

"The Negri Sembilan state assembly presided over its first sitting on April 28, 2008 and its term expires on April 28, 2011," he said.

Yesterday, Mustafa, 53, was found guilty of accepting RM2000 as an inducement to issue a support letter for contractor, M Manimaran for a sand-related project over two years ago.