Death penalty from life sentence for Lahad Datu intruders

The Court of Appeal in Putrajaya today overturned the life sentence imposed on nine Filipinos who took part in the Lahad Datu incursion to the death penalty.

A three-member bench led by Justice Mohd Zawawi Mohd Salleh made the unanimous decision. The others were Justice Abdul Rahman Sebli and Justice Kamardin Hashim.

The appellate court also upheld the conviction on the nine, namely Atik Hussin Abu Bakar, Basad Manuel, Ismail Yasin, Virgilio Nemar Patulada @ Mohamad Alam Patulada, Salid Ahmad Osman @ Abdul, Al Wazir Osman, Tani Lahad Dahi, Julham Rashid and Datu Amirbahar Hushin Kiram.

In his decision, Justice Mohd Zawawi said the trial judge had failed to adequately take into account the aggression towards the sovereignty of the nation.

“This case has the element of conspiracy as no other case. The respondents (accused) were part of a conspiracy hatched across the border to wage war against the Malaysian government and the king, to dictate its foreign relations with other countries, with intent to weaken the country from within so they could reclaim Sabah,” he said.

“Nine Malaysian security personnel were killed and many seriously injured. The local kampung folk were forced to leave their homes because of the intrusion. Heavy lethal weapons such as M-16 rifles, 9mm pistols and grenades were used during the intrusion.

“In short, this was an attack from a foreign enemy which is unprecedented in the Malaysian history.”

[More to follow]

-Mkini