PETALING JAYA: Parti Sosialis Malaysia has praised Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s decision to temporarily step down as Muda president following his conviction for corruption charges earlier today.
PSM deputy chairman S Arutchelvan said the Muar MP’s decision to vacate his post and pass the baton to his deputy Amira Aisya Abd Aziz was something “rare in Malaysian politics”.
“And we should welcome that as what he has done puts many older politicians to shame,” Arutchelvan said in a statement.
He added that Malaysian politics was in need of principled individuals.
Earlier this evening, Syed Saddiq said in order to be Muda president, the leader would need to be “whiter than white” and that he did not deserve the role anymore.
He also said he would not be involved in any of the party’s decision-making processes from now on.
Syed Saddiq was convicted by the Kuala Lumpur High Court of abetting in criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of assets and money laundering.
The former youth and sports minister has been sentenced to seven years’ jail, a RM10 million fine and two strokes of the rotan. The sentences have been stayed pending an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
PSM and Muda had joined forces for the six state elections in August.
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