In February 2013 a group calling themselves the Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu intruded the coastlines of Lahad Datu, Sabah. After a bloody standoff with Malaysian police, the Sulu forces were defeated, scores were arrested of whom 30 were charged. The trial of the 27 Filipino nationals and 3 Malaysians began in January 2014. While only half way through the trial some observers are concerned that a guilty verdict will result in renewed tensions in the region. We speak about the trial and explore issues surrounding the security architecture that has been put in place since the intrusion.

Annabelle Lee contributed to this report.