The conviction of Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad for teaching Islam without having proper credentials has been upheld by the Shah Alam Syariah High Court today.

However, judge Salehan Yatim reduced the fine of RM2,900 imposed by the lower court to RM1,900.

The judge noted that a fine of RM2,900 may result in serious consequences as Khalid may lose his seat and Shah Alam will lose their elected representative.

Salehan also stated that this was the Amanah communications director's first offence.

With the decision today, Khalid will be able to contest in the 14th general election as an elected representative only loses his or her qualification if fined more than RM2,000 or imprisoned for more than a year.

Lawyer Zulqarnain Lukman appeared for the lawmaker, while Aiman Roslan appeared for the prosecution.

Khalid had already paid the RM2,900 fine when he was found guilty by the Klang Syariah Court on Jan 19.

He was found guilty of teaching without proper credentials at Surau Taman Sementa, Klang, between 10pm on 11.30pm on Aug 16, 2011.

Khalid was charged under Section 119(1) of the Selangor Islamic Law Administration Enactment, where a maximum fine of RM2,900 can be imposed.

During sentencing, he said he had done nothing wrong as he was only sharing his experiences of having gone to Gaza.