KOTA KINABALU, June 27 — Twenty-nine individuals charged with various offences in relation to terrorism activities in Sabah pleaded not guilty in the High Court here today.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail (picture) applied to the court for all the accused to be tried jointly.

The eight lawyers representing the accused did not object to the application. 

Justice P. Ravinthran fixed July 15 for case management.

He also fixed July 12 to record the plea of one Habil Suhaili who was not present as he is undergoing treatment at the Tawau Hospital.

Habil is charged with being a member of a terrorist group at Jalan Kastam Lama, Lahad Datu, between February 9 and March 4, an offence punishable with life imprisonment and a fine upon conviction. 

Among the 29 was a local woman who faces possible life imprisonment upon conviction for allegedly harbouring a group of terrorists. 

Norhaida Ibnahi, 46, is charged with harbouring a group of terrorists between February 9 and March 22 at a house in Kampung Sri Melor, Bugaya, Semporna.      

Local men Abd Hadi Mawan, 49, and Abdul Majil Jubin, 41, are charged with being members of a terrorist group and treason against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Abd Hadi is alleged to have committed both the offences at Kampung Perigi, Semporna, between February 9 and March 14 while Abdul Majil is alleged to have committed the offences at Jalan Lihak-Lihak, Semporna, between February 9 and March 13.

The Filipino nationals among the accused face the same two charges as Abd Hadi and Abdul Majil.

Datu Amirbahar Hushin Kiram, Rijmal Salleh, Saidili Jaharul, Dani Ismail, Pabblo Alie, Mohamad Ali Ahmad, Basil Samiul and Rizman Gulan are charged with committing the offences between February 9 and April 10 at Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu; Kampung Muanad, Beluran and Jalan Lihak-Lihak, Semporna.

They are charged with waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, an offence which carries the death sentence or life imprisonment, and for being members of a terrorist group, an offence punishable with life imprisonment and a fine, upon conviction.

Totoh Hismullah is charged with committing the same offences between February 9 and March 29 at Kampung Simunul, Semporna.

Also charged with waging war on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong are Atik Hussin Abu Bakar, Basad Manuel, Masir Aidin, Ismail Yasin, Anwar Salib Akhmad, Binhar Salib Akhmad, Virgilio Nemar Patulada alias Mohammad Alam Patulada, Salib Akhmad Emali, Al Wazir Osman alias Abdul, Tani Lahad Dahi and Julham Rashid. 

They are charged with being members of a terrorist group with Aiman Radie, Lin Mad Salleh, Holland Kalbi and Timhar Hadir.

Two others, Kadir Uyung and Lating Tiong, are charged with harbouring a group of terrorists while Salib Akhmad faces an additional charge of recruiting for the group. 

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Abdul Gani said he hoped that the court would decide on a larger venue for the trial as it would require tight security to ensure smooth proceedings.

The accused were brought to the court complex in four police trucks.

Thirteen of the individuals, including the woman and one in a wheelchair, wore straight jackets and black hats that covered their eyes.

The court had been under tight security since early morning, with armed policemen in and around the court compound. — Bernama