Zahid: Jamalul Kiram has no rights to question Malaysian law

Defence minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this following the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan’s condemnation against the Malaysian government for charging eight Filipinos for terrorism and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Wednesday.

“Let the court decide. He should not question our law,” Ahmad Zahid said in a text message to Astro Awani.

Joining the bandwagon to ask Jamalul to mind his own business is Attorney General Tan Sri Gani Patail. Gani told Astro Awani yesterday if Jamalul steps foot in Sabah, he will also be charged for terrorism and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Jamalul, through his spokesperson Abraham Idjirani, had said that it was illegal for Malaysia to file such charge as ‘Malaysia does not own Sabah’. Idjirani had told reporters that Malaysia’s move was tantamount to “usurpation” of the powers of Jamalul.

Idjirani said the sultanate would file a complaint in the International Court of Justice against the Malaysian officials responsible for filing charges against the eight Filipinos.

“We condemn this terroristic act of Malaysia because they do not own Sabah. They are only occupants. In fact, Malaysia is still paying rent to the sultanate of Sulu,” Idjirani had said.

On March 21, Atik Hussein bin Abu Bakar and Basad H Manuel - were charged in the Tawau High Court under Section 121 of the Penal Code for waging war.

They, along with four other Filipino citizens - Holland Kalbi, Lin bin Mad Salleh, Habil Suhaili and Timhar Hadir - were also accused of being part of a terrorist group.

The charge framed under Section 130KA of the Penal Code provides for life imprisonment upon conviction.