"If Jamalul Kiram III comes to Sabah, I will also charge him for terrorism and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong!," said Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

Gani was responding after the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan condemned Malaysia for charging eight Filipinos for terrorism and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Wednesday.

“If he thinks it is illegal, he can challenge it in our courts. At least, we do things through legal process unlike him who, in the very first place caused their men to kill our armed forces,” Gani told Astro Awani.

Jamalul, through his spokesperson Abraham Idjirani had said that was illegal for Malaysia to file such charge as ‘Malaysia does not own Sabah’.

Idjirani had told reporters that Malaysia’s move was tantamount to “usurpation” of the powers of Jamalul.

Idjirani said the sultanate would file a complaint in the International Court of Justice against the Malaysian officials responsible for filing charges against the eight Filipinos.

“We condemn this terroristic act of Malaysia because they do not own Sabah. They are only occupants. In fact, Malaysia is still paying rent to the sultanate of Sulu,” Idjirani had said.

Yesterday, Atik Hussein bin Abu Bakar and Basad H Manuel - were charged in the Tawau High Court under Section 121 of the Penal Code for waging war.

They, along with four other Filipino citizens - Holland Kalbi, Lin bin Mad Salleh, Habil Suhaili and Timhar Hadir - were also accused of being part of a terrorist group.

The charge framed under Section 130KA of the Penal Code provides for life imprisonment upon conviction.

Two other men - Kadir Uyung and Lating Tiong - also face life imprisonment after being charged under Section 511 of the Penal Code for harbouring a terrorist group.