KIRAM KARAM

Lahad Datu: "I was asked and paid," says Sulu accused in terror trial

TAWAU: The High Court was told by one of the men charged with engaging in terrorism in Sabah that he was asked and paid to do so by someone.

Hooland Kalbi, who spoke in the Bajau language and translated by the court interpreter, said he was foolish for doing so, but judge P. Ravinthran told the court interpreter to explain to him (accused) that it was not necessary for him to say that as his plea would only be recorded after he had obtained a lawyer.

Hooland was among the eight Filipino charged in the High Court here today with engaging in terrorist activities in Sabah. Two of them were also charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

This is the second time that a charge for waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is made in the country after an incident by the Al Maunah group at Bukit Jenalik Sauk, Perak, in 2000.

Meanwhile, Timhar Hadir, who is also charged with engaging in terrorism, told the court that he entered Malaysia last February using an international passport.

He was prevented from saying more by Ravinthran without consulting his lawyer.

Another accused charged with the same offence was Habil Suhaili, believed to be in his 60s, who took quite sometime to understand the charge made against him.

The charge was read to him several times in Suluk.

Habil said he did not commit the offence, but was told by the judge that his plea would not be recorded.

The first accused, Atik Hussin Abu Bakar, who spoke in Bajau, sought the court to explain the charges made against him.

Besides being charged with engaging in terrorism, he is also charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The other four accused, Lin Mad Salleh, Basad Manuel, Kadir Uyung and Lating Tiong, said they had nothing to say.

Basad is charged with engaging in terrorism and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, while Lin is charged with engaging in terrorism.

Kadir and Lating are charged with protecting the terrorist group.

All the accused were not allowed bail.

Meanwhile, journalists and photographers covering the case were strictly monitored by armed policemen.

Only one journalist from each media organisation is allowed into the court and they are only allowed to bring in their note book and pen.

No foreign journalist is seen covering the proceeding today. - Bernama