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PUTRAJAYA – Muar Member of Parliament (MP) Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman stressed that the Federal Court’s decision to uphold his acquittal was not merely a personal victory, but a victory for the principle that truth must be defended despite having to endure a long and challenging process.
In a social media post on Monday, the former youth and sports minister said he had gone through more than six years of legal proceedings without fleeing, delaying court processes or seeking special treatment.
“Today, the country’s highest court has made its decision. My acquittal stands, but today is not just about my freedom. It is about a principle that truth must be defended, even when the price to be paid is very high,” he said.
Syed Saddiq said he believed Malaysia should be led by individuals who are willing to lose their positions in order to uphold principles, rather than sacrificing principles in pursuit of power.
“I did not run away. I did not delay. I did not ask for special treatment because I believe Malaysia must be led by those who are willing to lose their positions for the sake of principles, not sell their principles for positions,” he said.
He said that although the journey had nearly taken away his time, reputation and future, it never broke his faith in Malaysia.
“I fought not because I hate anyone. I fought because I love Malaysia too much. This journey nearly took away so much from me. My time, my reputation and my future, but it never took away my belief in Malaysia,” he said.
In the same post, Syed Saddiq also expressed his appreciation to his parents, family, fiancée, legal team, friends, the people of Muar and Malaysians who continuously prayed for him throughout the trial process.
He also acknowledged that the experience taught him that power and positions are temporary, while principles, dignity and service to the people are legacies that will continue to be remembered.
Syed Saddiq further stressed that he held no resentment following the court’s decision.
“Today is not a day for revenge. I leave the court not with hatred, but with a greater responsibility. After this, I will return to Parliament because this struggle has never only been about me.
“It has always been Malaysia first. Yesterday, today and forever,” he said.
Earlier, the Federal Court upheld Syed Saddiq’s acquittal on four charges involving abetting criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering involving funds belonging to the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) youth wing, Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada).
In a 2-1 majority decision, two judges, Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, ruled that the 34-year-old politician should be acquitted and discharged.
Meanwhile, Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, who chaired the three-member panel, was the only judge who dissented, finding Syed Saddiq guilty.
The majority decision saw the prosecution’s final appeal dismissed, clearing Syed Saddiq of the conviction and sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a RM10 million fine imposed by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in November 2023.
