PUTRAJAYA – The Court of Appeal has postponed the proceedings for Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s appeal to overturn his conviction and sentence on four charges related to Bersatu youth wing (Armada’s) funds.
The hearing, which had been ongoing for two days, has been rescheduled to April 17 after Deputy Public Prosecutor Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin informed the court that he was unable to proceed due to a sore throat.
Speaking to reporters upon arriving at the Palace of Justice at 10.20 am today, Syed Saddiq said he remained “hopeful and optimistic” as he awaited the Court of Appeal’s verdict. He expressed full trust in Allah and the judicial process.
“I’m hopeful and optimistic, and place my hopes fully on Allah SWT and on the facts and data that has been tabled and deliberated before the esteemed judge who I respect,” he said.
“I also request friends from near and far to pray for justice to prevail. That is all I am asking for.”
When asked whether he felt nervous, the former youth and sports minister admitted to some anxiety but said waiting for the verdict had been more difficult than the decision itself.
“In my calmness, there must be a bit of jitteriness. But after five years, the process of waiting is far worse than the verdict day,” he said.
“And I know deep down inside, my conscience is clear that I am not guilty, and those words can only be proven by the institutions of justice and judiciary who I respect.”
Not long after Syed Saddiq’s arrival, actress Bella Astillah arrived at 10.28 am, dressed in all white, to show her support. She was accompanied by a female bodyguard and waved to the media before entering the building.
The Court of Appeal is expected to deliver its verdict today, but it has the discretion to defer its decision.
Syed Saddiq was convicted in November 2023 for abetting a criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million in Bersatu Youth (Armada) funds, misusing RM120,000 from a bank account, and two money laundering charges. He was sentenced to seven years in jail, two strokes of the rotan, and a RM10 million fine.
If his appeal succeeds, he will be acquitted, though the prosecution can still take the case to the Federal Court. If dismissed, he will have one final chance to appeal.
Addressing the delay, Syed Saddiq expressed his disappointment, saying that he had been seeking justice for five years.
“To be honest and sincere, I pray for their swift recovery. This goes beyond what happens in the courtroom. At the same time, it would be dishonest to say that I am not disappointed or affected. As someone who has been fighting for justice and truth for five years, and finally getting my time in court today, only to have the process postponed again, there is naturally a sense of frustration,” he said.
“However, as a Malaysian citizen, I still respect the judicial process. I have been investigated for five years, and it took one and a half years for me to be charged. Not once have I postponed proceedings, nor have I or my family ever failed to ensure the process continues. It has been nearly two years just to get a return judgment to begin the appeal process.
“Although I am disappointed, I must continue to respect the process. I just truly hope that this will not be postponed any further and that justice will prevail. I wish the best for my colleagues and the members of the prosecution,” he added.
During the proceedings before a three-judge panel chaired by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Wan Shaharuddin explained that he was unable to continue his submissions due to his condition.
“There are many facts that need to be presented, and I require about 45 minutes to do so. However, due to my difficulty in speaking, I am unable to proceed,” he said.
“I request that the court allow the proceedings to continue after the Aidilfitri celebrations next month. I would have liked to complete my submissions today, but I truly do not know how to proceed given my current state,” he added. – March 20, 2025