The Al-Ma'unah treason trial was today adjourned to Dec 4 to allow the prosecution time to study representations made by the defence to reduce the charges against several of the defendants.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin agreed to postpone the matter following an application by senior deputy public prosecutor Abdul Gani Patail.

Twenty-nine Al-Ma'unah members are charged under section 121 of the Penal Code for waging war or abetting to wage war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong which carries the sentence of death or life imprisonment and a fine if found guilty.

They are alleged to have committed the offence between June and July 6 at Pos 2, Km 19, Kuala Rui, Jalanraya Timur-Barat, Grik; Batalion 304, Infantri (AW), Kem Grik, Grik; and in Bukit Jenalik, Sauk, all in Perak ([#1Twenty-nine Al-Ma'unah members claim trial[/#], Aug 9).

Ten years and fine

The representations made by the defence counsel to the Attorney-General's Chambers appeal for the charge against their clients to be reduced to one which does not carry the death sentence.

Among the reduced charges which may be considered is the one under Section 122 of the Penal Code which refers to collecting, or attempting to collect, men and arms with the intention of waging war or attempting to do so.

The offence carries a sentence of life imprisonment or a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine.

Defence lawyers who spoke to malaysiakini said they were hopeful that the prosecution will reduce the charge against at least 19 of the defendants. They added they would then discuss with their clients and their families on the next step to take.

Several lawyers also expressed hope the Attorney-General's Chambers may even reduce the charge against their clients to one under section 123 of the Penal Code which refers to concealing the existence of a design to wage war.

This offence carries a lesser jail term of up to 10 years and a fine if found guilty.

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