PUTRAJAYA (June 25): Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman says that the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn his criminal conviction and sentence has restored his integrity.

Speaking to the press following the appellate court’s decision on Wednesday, the 32-year-old said that the last five years since he was charged have been trying, but that justice has prevailed.

"It has been five years of hell, and I care a lot more about my integrity than my own life," he said, tearing up, flanked by his parents.  

He added that it has not just been a trying period for him, but also his loved ones and friends.

The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) co-founder added that he would be taking some time off before deciding on his next move. 

"I may appear strong, but only God knows what I went through," he said, adding that it is time to move forward and he is still spirited to fight for his beloved country.

He thanked his family and friends for their support and prayers.

He also thanked his group of lawyers — which include prominent criminal counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik and former solicitor general II Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden — for believing in him and not just being concerned with winning the case.

The former youth and sports minister also thanked the judges for restoring his faith in the judiciary.

Syed Saddiq's parents also spoke to the press, expressing their gratitude and relief over Wednesday's decision. His mother, Sharifah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz, echoed her son's sentiment over the trying period the past five years have been.

"There were times I wanted to tell him to quit politics. But he is surrounded by people who love him and his staunch spirit. As a mother, it is my duty to ensure his success," said a teary Sharifah Mahani, who had a cancer relapse during this period.

She added that she forgives those who persecuted her son and prays that they get guidance.

Syed Saddiq had always maintained that the charges levelled against him were politically motivated.

Speaking briefly, Hisyam thanked the team of lawyers who appeared for Syed Saddiq at the trial stage — consisting of Gobind Singh Deo, Haijan Omar, Tiara Katrina Fuad and others — for their hard work during the trial.

Before he addressed the press, Syed Saddiq, along with his parents and others, had performed the "sujud syukur" by prostrating to the ground in gratitude.

Earlier, in a unanimous decision, a three-member COA panel overturned Syed Saddiq's sentence and conviction in a criminal case related to misuse of Bersatu funds.

The panel found that the High Court judge had erred in his findings and that the prosecution had failed to prove ingredients of the charges in this case.

The panel was also of the view that Syed Saddiq's defence was not a mere bare denial, but rather had challenged the evidence put forth by the prosecution.  

Syed Saddiq had been appealing against High Court's 2023 decision, where he had been found guilty of four charges, consisting of abetting criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of party funds, and money-laundering.

The funds in question belonged to Armada, Bersatu's youth wing, which the 32-year-old led before leaving the party in May 2020.

He was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison, two strokes of the rotan, and a fine of RM10 million.

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Syed Saddiq succeeds in appeal over misuse of Bersatu funds, criminal conviction overturned