Summary

  • Syed Saddiq says legal battle exacted heavy toll on him and his family.

  • Muar MP says he does not wish for his political rivals to go through this, holds no grudges for the future.

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman described today’s Court of Appeal decision as a major victory, after a five-year legal battle.

The appellate court acquitted and cleared the Muar MP of four charges relating to criminal breach of trust, misuse of property and money laundering.

In an emotional press conference following the verdict at the Palace of Justice, Syed Saddiq said the prolonged legal battle had exacted a heavy toll not only on himself but also on his family, particularly his mother, Sharifah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz, who was battling cancer.

“Honestly, I hope that what I have gone through will not be experienced by any of my political enemies. I don’t wish this even on my worst enemies. I bear no grudges for the future,” he said.

“I must thank my legal team. This isn’t just about winning a case in court, but about being on the right side from the beginning,” Syed Saddiq added.

He said that he did not prepare any initial statement regarding his case this morning, as he was still haunted by the memories of when the High Court had previously convicted him.

“The past five years have indeed been full of obstacles and challenges - if I were to reveal everything, it would be lengthy.

“Five difficult years because there were parties wanting to tarnish my integrity. I value my integrity more than my life,” he added.

Prosecution failed to prove charges

In a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeal acquitted the Muar MP of four charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of property, and money laundering linked to RM1.12 million of Bersatu Youth funds.

In the judgment read out by judge Noorin Badarudin today, the three-member bench found that the prosecution failed to prove the charge of abetting a former Bersatu Youth leader in committing criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million in wing funds.

Noorin said the prosecution also failed to show dishonest intent when Syed Saddiq ordered the funds to be withdrawn.

Likewise, the prosecution failed to prove that Syed Saddiq’s actions led to wrongful gain for himself or wrongful loss for Bersatu Youth.

The court also found that the prosecution failed to present credible evidence and facts to support the charge that Syed Saddiq had misappropriated RM120,000.

Noorin said there was no evidence proving that the money either belonged to Bersatu Youth or Syed Saddiq.

The failure to prove criminal breach of trust also meant that the court found the money laundering charges involving RM100,000 transferred to his private accounts were defective.

Missed opportunities to prove innocence

Besides failures by the prosecution, the Court of Appeal also found that the High Court had erred in not fully evaluating the entirety of Syed Saddiq’s defence, leading to the conviction.

Sharifah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz, Syed Saddiq’s mother, speaking after the court ruling at the Palace of Justice today

“When my parents were called in for questioning, I felt guilty as their son because of the pressure. My mother was battling cancer, which had relapsed.

“I rejected various offers I received in order to clear my name in court, because the court is the last bastion for citizens who have been wronged and betrayed,” he said.

Syed Saddiq also reiterated his commitment to continue serving the people and the country.

“I do not regret at all choosing this path. I will continue to serve Malaysia, which I love more than my own life,” he affirmed.

Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, the lawyer representing Syed Saddiq, also expressed appreciation to the Court of Appeal panel for their decision to acquit and clear his client.

Hisyam explained that the decision proved the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against his client.

“We have just heard the decision of the Court of Appeal judge, Noorin. We are grateful and thankful to the Court of Appeal panel who accepted our arguments,” Hisyam said.

He added that the Court of Appeal’s decision also revealed there was no evidence of dishonest intent by his client as alleged.

Hisyam Teh Poh Teik (right), Syed Saddiq’s lawyer

“For the first charge, the court stated that there was no evidence of dishonest intent by our client regarding the RM1 million, which was actually for the political party programme use. In fact, not a single sen entered our client’s pocket.

“The second charge proved that the money in question belonged to our client and not anyone else. So there is no issue of criminal misappropriation.

“Since the second charge failed, the abetment charge also cannot proceed,” Hisyam said in the press conference.