Syed Saddiq's mother reflects on years of pain, but chooses forgiveness

Summary

• Sharifah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz says she watched her son Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman persecuted and sidelined, simply because of his political stance.

• She adds that his struggle was not for personal gain but for Malaysia.

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s mother has chosen not to hold grudges against those who persecuted her politician son, despite the years of anguish they endured as she stood by him during his legal battle.

"To those who wronged my son, I pray that Allah grants them guidance. Life is temporary - it’s not forever.

“Let us not harm others, because the consequences are not only in the hereafter, but may also come in this world…

“I choose to forgive those who have wronged my son”.

These heartfelt words came from Sharifah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz shortly after the Court of Appeal acquitted the Muar MP of all criminal corruption charges related to RM1.12 million in Bersatu Youth funds.

She also expressed deep gratitude to those who were there for her son throughout his five-year legal ordeal - a period she described as fraught with challenges, emotional strain, and relentless anxiety.

Sharifah Mahani said those five years were especially painful as she watched her son persecuted and sidelined, simply because of his political stance.

“There were moments I felt like telling him, enough is enough, don’t go on. Don’t be involved in politics anymore, because it’s too difficult,” she added.

However, Sharifah Mahani said she found comfort and strength in knowing that Syed Saddiq’s struggle was not for personal gain, but for Malaysians.

"His spirit is strong - for the people and for Malaysia, regardless of race and religion," she emphasised.

Tests from Allah

Sharifah Mahani also offered prayers and hoped that Syed Saddiq’s struggle would continue to be blessed, expressing her belief that all the challenges he faced were tests from Allah.

"I can only entrust his struggle to Allah, that he may be granted success. InsyaAllah, please pray that Saddiq remains strong in fighting for the people," she added.

In 2021, the former Muda president was slapped with four charges of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property, and money laundering linked to RM1.12 million of Bersatu Youth funds.

The High Court convicted him in November 2023 and sentenced the former youth and sports minister to seven years in jail, two strokes of the rotan, and an RM10 million fine.

He has maintained that the charges against him were politically motivated.

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