Decision On Syed Saddiq Postponed To July 13, Judge On Sick Leave
PUTRAJAYA, June 30 (Bernama) -- The final appeal decision of the prosecution against the acquittal of Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, scheduled for today, has been postponed to July 13 due to a member of Federal Court panel being on sick leave.
Court of Appeal president Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, who headed the three-judge Federal Court panel, said the court was prepared with the decision, but could not give the decision today.
"I and Yang Arif Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah are in court, but Yang Arif Datuk Che Ruzima is not with us because we were told that Yang Arif Che Ruzima is unwell and is on sick leave for today and tomorrow. It doesn't seem right to give the decision without one panel member," he said.
Judge Abu Bakar said the court was informed of Che Ruzima's condition late yesterday evening.
"We could do it yesterday by telling the registry to inform the parties that the decision could not be delivered today, but it was late in the day. I thought it would not be proper to do that. That is why I am up on the bench today to inform everyone. We think we need to deliver the decision on July 13," he said.
Today's proceedings were attended by deputy public prosecutors Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Datuk Ahmad Akram Gharib and Farah Ezlin Yusop Khan while Syed Saddiq was represented by lawyers Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, Datuk S. Ambiga and Lim Wei Jeit.
On June 25, 2025, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Syed Saddiq, 33, of four charges of abetting criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and money laundering involving Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada) funds, after allowing his appeal to set aside the conviction and sentence of seven years' imprisonment, two strokes of the cane and a fine of RM10 million decided by the High Court on 9 Nov 2023.
The Attorney General's Office (AGC) subsequently filed an appeal in the Federal Court a day after the Court of Appeal's decision.
Syed Saddiq is charged with abetting Rafiq Hakim Razali, who was then the assistant treasurer of Armada, to commit criminal breach of trust of Armada funds amounting to RM1 million at CIMB Bank Berhad, KL Sentral on March 6, 2020.
The charge was brought under Section 406 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, whipping and a fine, if convicted.
He also faces a charge of misappropriating RM120,000 belonging to Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise under Section 403 of the Penal Code which carries a prison sentence of between six months and five years, whipping and a fine, if convicted.
In addition, Syed Saddiq is also accused of committing two money laundering transactions, namely transferring RM50,000 to his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account.
The charge was made under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 which provides for a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a fine of five times the amount involved.
When met after the proceedings, Wan Shaharuddin said that postponement of the decision is normal and all parties need to be patient, in addition to the prosecution praying for Judge Che Ruzima's speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Hisyam described the postponement of the proceedings today as something that has never happened throughout his experience handling cases.
"This is unprecedented, first time in our practice, first time in our experience," he said when asked by reporters about such an experience throughout his career.
Syed Saddiq, on the other hand, said he respected the court's decision to postpone the decision due to an unexpected health issue.
"I respect the judge's wise decision and respect the country's judicial institution which is the last bastion for individuals like me to get justice not through shortcuts or special treatment but through a trial based on facts and data under the Judicial Institution.
"This case is not new, I have been fighting for justice for six years. My focus with my family and lawyers is to clear my name, my integrity and my dignity, if I have to wait another two weeks I will accept and obey," he said.
Earlier, media practitioners and Syed Saddiq's supporters began filling the Palace of Justice at 7.30 am to hear the decision.
Syed Saddiq arrived at the Palace of Justice here at 8.50 am accompanied by his parents, Shariffah Mahani Syed Abdul Aziz and Syed Abdul Rahman Abdullah Asagoff, as well as his fiancée, actress Bella Astillah.
-- BERNAMA
