The Malaysian High Court has sentenced Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to seven years’ jail and two strokes of the cane.
Source: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman on Facebook
The former Minister of Youth and Sports was convicted of charges of abetting criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property, and two counts of money laundering.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Muar will be the first Malaysian politician to be caned.
Source: The Star
The judge said Syed Saddiq should uphold higher standards and continue to set an example for youth.
“The accused should be held to a higher standard and to serve as a role model for young people,” he said. “As this is his first offence, he still has ample time to rectify his wrongs and reflect on what has happened.”
In addition to jail and caning, the court also fined Syed Saddiq RM10 million (S$3 million), according to Free Malaysia Today.
The MP has since filed an appeal against the sentence. The Court of Appeals will begin hearing the case next January.
Syed Saddiq was first hit with charges over three years ago in July 2021. At the time, Syed Saddiq was the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Armada wing chief.
The court found Syed Saddiq guilty of criminal breach of trust over RM1 million (S$300,000) of the party’s funds. Additionally, he also misappropriated property worth about RM120,000 (S$36,000) belonging to the party.
Finally, the court convicted him of money laundering for transferring RM100,000 (S$30,000) from Armanda Bumi Bersatu Enterprise (ABBE) — a company linked to the party — to his personal account. Authorities believe the funds were obtained through unlawful activities, according to the New Straits Times.
The court found that the former minister’s actions demonstrated “malicious intent”.
“There is no reason for the accused to transfer the funds from ABBE’s account, except to finance his election campaign,” the judge said.
According to Astro Awani, Syed Saddiq appeared calm after the sentencing.
He was seen consoling his parents, who were in tears after the sentencing.
When met with reporters after the sentence, Syed Saddiq said he respected the court’s decision.
“If others have to respect the court’s decision, I also have to respect the court’s decision,” he said.
Syed Saddiq also issued a statement via social media sharing his intention to contest the charges.
He said he has instructed his lawyers to prepare for the appeal and said he wants it to be heard as soon as possible.
The former minister added should his appeals turn out unsuccessful, he would ” respect the judiciary as an institution, no matter how painful or unjust I may perceive the verdict to be.”
“I look forward to clearing my name in the Court of Appeal,” said the 31-year-old.
Also read: M’sian MP Syed Saddiq Gets 7 Years’ Jail For Corruption Charges, Says He Will Clear His Name
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Featured image adapted from The Star and Free Malaysia Today.
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