Malaysia’s Federal Court postpones key decision in former minister Syed Saddiq’s appeal due to judge’s illness

A crucial decision regarding the political future of former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has been delayed. The Federal Court postponed its ruling on the prosecution's appeal against his acquittal due to the illness of one of the three judges on the panel.

“

Justice Collin and I are here in court, but Justice Che Mohd Ruzima is not here with us. We were told that he (Justice Che Mohd Ruzima) is sick and he is resting today and tomorrow.

Justice Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali's absence prevented the court from delivering its verdict as scheduled on June 30. "We are ready with the decision, but this is the unfortunate event that happened today," said Court of Appeal president Justice Abu Bakar Jais. The proceedings have been rescheduled to July 13.

Syed Saddiq's political career hung in the balance following a High Court conviction on November 9, 2023, where he was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined RM10 million. However, the Court of Appeal overturned this decision on June 25, acquitting him of all charges. The appellate court found the charges baseless, stating that instructions to withdraw funds could not be treated as disposal of assets.

“

In light of this situation, we are unable to deliver our decision today. It doesn’t seem right to give the decision without one panel member.

The charges against Syed Saddiq included abetting criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million, misuse of RM120,000 from a corporate account, and two charges of money laundering amounting to RM50,000 each. The acquittal by the Court of Appeal offered him a reprieve, but the prosecution's appeal to the Federal Court meant his future remained uncertain until this postponed decision.

“

We are ready with the decision, but this is the unfortunate event that happened today.