RM715,000 raised for Syed Saddiq’s bail in 24 hours

 

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman had thought the elderly man had come to his office seeking help but was touched when the man donated RM100 to the fund.

PETALING JAYA: A kind uncle who donated RM100 was among 9,836 people who contributed to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s fundraiser for his bail, leaving the former youth and sports minister feeling very touched.

In a Facebook post, Syed Saddiq said he had closed the fundraiser as it had raised more than enough money for his bail payment. He was granted bail of RM330,000 on two charges yesterday.

He managed to raise more than twice that amount, collecting RM715,573 within 24 hours.

He recalled meeting a man at his office and assumed the man had come to ask for help.

“Turns out he wanted to contribute RM100 to me. I felt like crying,” he said. “It’s in moments like this I am reminded why I joined politics.”

Syed Saddiq said he did not become a politician for the position or money, but to build a better Malaysia.

He thanked all contributors to his fundraiser, saying he was “forever indebted” to the country and would continue to fight against those putting pressure on him.

“No threats. No intimidation. No offers will ever weaken my resolve to put Malaysia first.

“I am here because of the rakyat. My fall and rise is in the hands of the rakyat.”

Yesterday, Syed Saddiq pleaded not guilty before the sessions court to two charges of misappropriating a total of RM1.12 million belonging to Bersatu Youth.

Of the total, RM120,000 was said to be party funds for the 2018 general election, while another RM1 million was allegedly withdrawn without the leadership’s consent.

He has paid RM80,000 of his bail yesterday and will have to settle the remaining RM250,000 by Tuesday. He had started a fundraiser last night for the bail amount and his legal fees. - FMT