Malaysian troops moving into Kampung Tanduo during the Sulu intrusion in Lahad Datu in 2013. - Filepic
KOTA KINABALU: The armed intrusion in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, three years ago created a split in the self-styled Sulu sultanate's Kiram family, some of whom were against the move.
A son of former Sulu sultan Esmail Kiram, Datu Amir Bahar Husin Kiram, said his father had opposed the intrusion headed by his uncle Agbimuddin Kiram.
He told the High Court here that he, too, was against the February 2013 intrusion because it impinged on Malaysia’s sovereignty.
Questioned by Senior Federal Counsel Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, he said the intrusion had nothing to do with the peace deal between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Oct 7, 2012.
Mohd Dusuki: Your family felt excluded by the terms of the framework of the peace agreement.
Amir Bahar: That is not true.
Amir Bahar is among the key accused and the fourth defence witness in the trial of 19 individuals facing various charges, including waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over the intrusion in Kampung Tanduo in February 2013.
To another question from Mohd Dusuki, Amir Bahar said his family received RM5,300 in cessation payment annually from the Malaysian Government.
He said the payment was made by the Malaysian embassy in Manila to family lawyer Ulka Ulama.
Amir Bahar said his family had made representations to the Malaysian Government to increase the payment, with the amount dating back to 1878.
Mohd Dusuki: I put to you the Government of Malaysia never made any promises to you, the Sulu sultanate or Sulu clans in regards to the proprietary rights of the heirs of the Sulu sultan.
Amir Bahar: (Former Sabah Special Branch deputy chief) Asst Comm Zulkifli Abd Aziz had advised the Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines Ibrahim Saad to inform the Sulu sultan to make a proposal about the increase in the rental (cessation payment).
To another question, Amir Bahar said he wanted to help in the negotiations between Malaysian security forces and Agbimuddin in Feb 16, 2013 in order to get a special pass to leave Malaysia because his visit pass had expired.
He said although he had been warned by ACP Zulkifli to leave Sabah immediately after the negotiations with the Sulu intruders, he continued to remain in the state because he and wife were unable to get a boat to take them from Semporna to southern Philippines.
“Nobody wanted to take me because they knew I am the son of the sultan and if the police see them with me, they might get arrested,” he said.
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