KOTA KINABALU, Sept 8 — A communication interception processing staff transcribed phone conversations of Lahad Datu intrusion suspects that only contained security information, the High Court here heard today.

The witness, who was testifying as a protected witness, admitted to not transcribing many other intercepted conversations involving various phone numbers.

Asked by counsel Datuk N. Sivananthan during cross-examination if that was because the witness was of the view that the contents of those conversations were not relevant to the intrusion case, the witness replied, “I agree”, through a court interpreter.

However, in conversations that were transcribed, the witness disagreed that some information were omitted or ignored because they were thought to be irrelevant.

The witness was testifying in the trial of 30 individuals linked to the intrusion by Sulu gunmen at Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu in February 2013.

The witness, whose initials were BZM in communication interception documents tendered in court, said there were three other people who listened to intercepted phone conversations in connection with the intrusion.

To a question by Sivananthan, the witness disagreed that neither the witness nor the three other communication interception processing staff heard the intercepted conversations live.

But the witness agreed listening to intercepted conversations that were provided by the witness’ supervisor.

“I show you sworn evidence of AVB (initials of another communication interception processing staff) given in the trial of Corporal Hassan Ali Basari (who was convicted of withholding information on the intrusion in August 2013).

“After being given instruction to conduct communication interception, AVB would listen to the recording of the communication interception using a hearing aid and computer that were supplied. Do you agree with AVB’s evidence?” asked Sivananthan to which the protected witness agreed.

The witness told the court that the intercepted conversations were recorded, but did not know who did the recording.

In the dock were 27 Filipinos and three local residents who are facing one to multiple charges of being members of a terrorist group and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

They are also alleged to have recruited members for a terrorist group or wilfully harboured individuals they knew to be members of a terrorist group.

The offences were allegedly committed between Feb 12 and April 10, 2013.

The hearing at the Sabah Prisons Department continues tomorrow. — Bernama