MANILA: A Malaysian court will hold a joint trial for 29 people implicated in connection with the entry of Sulu sultanate followers in Sabah in February.
A report by The Star Online said Malaysian judge Ravinthran Paramaguru had ordered the trial for the accused, who have pleaded not guilty.
The 29 have been accused of waging war against Malaysian king, among other charges.
“One or more persons can be charged and tried jointly if they are charged with the same or different offences under one transaction,” the report quoted Malaysian Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail as saying.
‘The keyword here is one transaction,” he added.
The Star Online said 21 have been accused of violating provisions and declaring war against the king and being members of a terrorist group, which is punishable by death and lifetime imprisonment, respectively.
Among those facing the two charges, the report said, is Amirbahar Hussin Kiram, the nephew of Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram and general of the sultanate forces that entered Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu.
Also facing trial for similar offences are Basad Samuel, Mohamad Ali Ahmad, Pabblo Allie, Abd Hadi Mawan, Atik Hussin Abu Bakar, Dani Ismail, Saidili Jaharul, Totoh Hismullah, Basil Samiul, Rizman Gulan, Abdul Majil Jubin, Rijmal Salleh, Julham Rashid, Tani Lahad Dahi, Al Wazir Osman, Virgilio Nemar Patulada, Masir Aidin, Anwar Salib Akhmad, Ismail Yasin and Binhar Salib Akhmad.
The report said four people were accused of joining a terrorist group — Aman Radie, Timhar Hadir, Holland Kalbi and Lin Mad Salleh.
Three others have been charged with or harbouring terroists — Norhaida Ibnahi, Kadir Uyung and Lating Tiong.
The crime is punishable by life imprisonment.
A certain Salib Akhmad Emali is facing four charges, including recruiting people for the terrorist group.
The report said the plea of a suspect identified as Habil Suhaili would be recorded on July 12 since he was undergoing treatment in a hospital.
“The judge also fixed July 15 to hear the case,” the report said.
Sulu sultanate followers led by Raja Muda, brother of sultan Jamalul Kiram III, went to Sabah to assert their claim to Sabah they consider their ancestral land.
Violence erupted after the followers refused to leave the area despite deadlines set by Malaysia.
The Philippine Star
