PUTRAJAYA – The fate of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman regarding his conviction and sentence on four criminal charges related to Bersatu Youth (Armada) funds will be determined this morning at the Court of Appeal.
A three-member panel chaired by Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, and comprising Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk Noorin Badaruddin, is set to deliver its decision following the conclusion of submissions by both the defence and prosecution.
Syed Saddiq, 33, is seeking to overturn his 2023 conviction and sentence handed down by the High Court, which found him guilty of abetting criminal breach of trust (CBT), misappropriation of property, and money laundering involving RM1 million in Armada funds.
His legal team consists of Datuk Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden and Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, while the prosecution is represented by Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin and Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan.
In the November 9, 2023 ruling, the High Court sentenced the former youth and sports minister to seven years in prison, two strokes of the cane, and a RM10 million fine. The court had found that Syed Saddiq instructed the withdrawal of RM1 million without approval from Bersatu’s top leadership, constituting CBT. It also noted that the funds were subsequently kept and distributed without secure storage, suggesting bad faith.
The High Court’s sentencing breakdown included three years’ imprisonment and one stroke of the rotan for CBT, two years and one stroke for misappropriation, and two years’ jail and a RM5 million fine for each of the two money laundering charges. Should the fine remain unpaid, Syed Saddiq could face an additional four years behind bars.
However, execution of the sentence was stayed pending appeal, with bail conditions unchanged.
The charges stem from several incidents. In the first charge, Syed Saddiq was accused of abetting then-Armada assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali in committing CBT involving RM1 million at CIMB Bank, KL Sentral on March 6, 2020. The offence falls under Section 406 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
The second charge involves the alleged misappropriation of RM120,000 from a Maybank Islamic account belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise. The offence is said to have taken place between April 8 and 21, 2018, and is framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of six months to five years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a fine.
He also faces two counts of money laundering, involving RM50,000 each, which he is accused of transferring from his Maybank Islamic account into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account. The alleged transactions occurred on June 16 and 19, 2018, at a bank in Taman Perling, Johor Bahru. These offences are charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of five times the amount involved.
Earlier this morning, Syed Saddiq’s parents arrived at the Palace of Justice at approximately 7.38am to show support. His legal representatives were seen entering the court complex shortly thereafter, ahead of the 9am decision. As of press time, Syed Saddiq himself had yet to appear in court.
During the appeal hearing, Hisyam argued that the High Court had erred by dismissing his client’s defence as a bare denial, asserting instead that it was supported by explanation and evidence. He maintained that Syed Saddiq never instructed the withdrawal of RM1 million.
However, lead prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin contended that Syed Saddiq acted dishonestly and with ill intent by directing Rafiq Hakim to remove the funds from his residence. Deputy public prosecutor Farah Ezlin further argued that the defence’s claim that RM120,000 was reimbursement for campaign expenses was an afterthought.
The outcome of today’s ruling will determine whether Syed Saddiq walks free or continues to serve the sentence previously imposed. – June 25, 2025