This morning, Muar MP Syed Saddiq was officially declared a free man after the Federal Court dismissed the prosecution’s appeal to uphold his conviction on four corruption charges.
Syed Saddiq A Free Man After Federal Court Dismisses Corruption Charges
This brought much needed relief for Syed Saddiq, his family, and supporters who witnessed firsthand the legal rollercoaster for close to six years.
More than just freedom
Following the court’s ruling, Syed Saddiq took to Facebook to release an official statement regarding his thoughts on the case.
While he expressed gratitude over his acquittal, he reiterated that it was more than just securing freedom for himself.
“It is about the principle that the truth must be defended, even when the price to pay is extremely high.
“I did not run away, seek delays or ask for special treatment. Why? Because I believe Malaysia must be led by those who are willing to sacrifice their positions for their principles, not sacrifice their principles for their positions.
“I could have chosen the easier path. I could have remained silent or surrendered. But if we ourselves give up when tested, how can we ask the people to continue believing in this country?” he wrote.
Thanked family & supporters
Syed Saddiq said he fought for his freedom not out of hate for anyone, but simply because he loved the country too much.
This journey has almost taken so much from me—my time, my reputation, and my future. But it has never taken away my faith in Malaysia.”
The former Youth and Sports Minister also thanked his parents, fiancée Bella Astillah, legal team, friends, his constituents in Muar, and Malaysians who supported him all the way with their prayers.
“This journey has taught me that power is temporary. Positions are temporary. But principles, dignity, and service are what we leave behind for the next generation.”
Syed Saddiq also said he holds no grudges against the judges involved in his case, adding that the incident has left him with “a greater sense of responsibility.”
“From here, I will head straight to Parliament. Because this struggle has never been only about me. It has always been Malaysia first. Then, now, and forever.”
What happened
In 2021, Syed Saddiq was accused of conspiring with Bersatu assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali to commit criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM1 million of the organisation’s funds during his tenure as Bersatu Youth chief.
He was also accused of misusing RM120,000 from a bank account belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise for personal gain, causing Rafiq to dispose of the money.
Two counts of money laundering involving two transactions of RM50,000 each, believed to be from unlawful activities, was also brought against him.
On November 9, 2023, the KL High Court found him guilty on all charges, sentencing him to seven years in prison, a RM10 million fine, and two strokes of the cane.
In June 2025, Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Noorin Badaruddin stated that the prosecution failed to prove that Syed Saddiq had any dishonest intent when instructing the withdrawal of RM1 million from Armada’s fund in March 2020.
He added the lower court had erred in failing to properly evaluate the evidence and the legal elements required to prove the charges against the Muar MP.
Following Syed Saddiq’s acquittal, the prosecution filed an appeal against the decision.
