I will respect whatever decision on my appeal, says Syed Saddiq

 

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is appealing his conviction and sentence for abetting in criminal breach of trust, misappropriating assets, and money laundering in relation to some RM1.2 million in funds linked to Bersatu Youth.

PETALING JAYA: 

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has promised to continue respecting the country’s judicial institution regardless of the outcome of his appeal against his conviction for corruption.

The former Muda president was convicted on Nov 9 last year of abetting in criminal breach of trust, misappropriating assets, and money laundering in relation to some RM1.2 million in funds linked to Bersatu Youth.

He was sentenced to seven years’ jail, handed a RM10 million fine, and ordered to be whipped twice by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.

The former youth and sports minister has lodged an appeal against the conviction and sentence with the Court of Appeal, which has fixed Jan 16 for case management.

“If I am fated … to still be found guilty after my appeal, I pledge to respect the judiciary as an institution, no matter how painful or unjust I may perceive the verdict to be,” he said in a Facebook post today.

“My love for my country cannot be conditional upon its favour towards me, nor can my belief in strengthening institutions depend on whether they serve my personal interests.

“True commitment to Malaysia and her principles demands unwavering respect for its institutions, even in moments of personal adversity.”

He also said he is looking forward to clearing his name in the Court of Appeal and has instructed his lawyers to prepare his appeal, after the grounds of judgment for his High Court sentence were released today.

In his 22-page grounds of judgment, Justice Azhar Abdul Hamid said Syed Saddiq’s sentence was not excessive as the court took into account his status as a public figure and a role model for young people before delivering the sentence.

Syed Saddiq, a former Bersatu Youth chief, was found guilty of one charge of CBT involving more than RM1 million belonging to the wing, and another count of dishonest misappropriation of property totalling more than RM120,000 also belonging to Bersatu Youth.

He was also convicted on two counts of money laundering for transferring a total of RM100,000 to his personal account from a company, Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise, linked to Bersatu Youth.

In his Facebook post, Syed Saddiq claimed that while he had many opportunities to have his case dropped, he chose not to pursue them as he believed no one should be above the law.

“In the eyes of the law, we are all equal,” he said.

“Only through this uncompromising belief can Malaysia succeed in becoming a developed country that serves the interests of all Malaysians.” - FMT