Filipino insurgents might have been paid to cause disruption

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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A Filipino charged with engaging in terrorism in Sabah told the High Court that he was paid to do so. Hooland Kalbi gave the statement during a trial against eight Filipinos who have been charged with the offence. Two of these are also charged with waging a war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Judge P. Ravinthran gave all the alleged terrorists an opportunity to notify the court about the charges made against them and the court in turn explained the punishment for each charge. Hooland also told the court that he regrets taking money to cause disruption. Similar charges of waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were made in Malaysia for the disruption caused by the Al Maunah group at Bukit Jenalik Sauk, Perak, in 2000.

Another alleged terrorist, Timhar Hadir, notified the court that he entered Malaysia last February using an international passport. Ravinthran interrupted his statement and asked him to first consult his lawyer. Habil Suhaili, another accused, took a lot of time to completely understand the charge made against him. The court interpreter read the charge to him several times in Suluk. Habil denied all allegations; however, the judge told him that his plea would not be recorded.

Atik Hussin Abu Bakar is charged with engaging in terrorism and waging a war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. On the other hand, Lin Mad Salleh, Basad Manuel, Kadir Uyung and Lating Tiong have pleaded not guilty.

The media representatives present at the hearing were strictly monitored by security forces. Only one representative from each media organization was allowed into the court. No foreign journalists were spotted.